It's the most wonderful time of the year if you're a horror fan. For the committed, watching scary movies is a year-round pastime — but there's nothing like the extra jump that comes when Halloween rolls around. Maybe it's all those creepy jack-o-lanterns? Maybe it's the extra sugar? Maybe it's just seeing the world embrace everything spooky not only for an entire night, but for the month of October leading up to it. Whatever your motivation to get cosy on your couch with a frightening flick — or enjoy bumps and jumps in a cinema filled with people — 2018 has delivered plenty of excellent fear- and tension-inducing movies. Including a death-soaked dance party, Japanese zombies on the loose and Nicolas Cage at his most unhinged, here are 13 stellar scary, thrilling and unsettling efforts — enough to make your very own Halloween movie marathon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3__y-uPwbe8 HEREDITARY With Hereditary, first-time feature filmmaker Ari Aster didn't just make an almost unbearably tense horror film, or one of the year's best examples of the genre. He did both, but he also made a masterclass in dread — you know, the feeling that makes you want to watch most of the movie with your fists and teeth clenched — and a masterful depiction of grief's lingering power. Expect to feel uneasy from start to finish as the Graham family's lives disintegrate when trauma after trauma comes calling for them. Toni Collette's haunting pain-riddled performance helps ramp up the anxiety too, but Aster dedicates his entire film to ensuring every frame, sound and moment is as disquieting as possible. Read our full review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL_I2vNwkXQ HALLOWEEN Cue the best horror soundtrack in the business, because the quintessential slasher franchise is back. Yes, the Halloween series has delivered some downright terrible movies (the very 00s Halloween: Resurrection, for example), but this iconic saga still holds its own with its newest entry. Not only does Michael Myers return for the tenth time in 11 films, but Jamie Lee Curtis returns as the ultimate final girl Laurie Strode. And when Michael starts wreaking havoc on their hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois once more, she's ready — in a direct sequel to the first Halloween that nods to everything that made John Carpenter's original so iconic, also references many of the series' sequels and remains a fantastic addition in its own right. Halloween is in cinemas now. Read our full review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0bnoFhkjvg A QUIET PLACE A Quiet Place isn't John Krasinksi's first film as a director. It isn't even his second. But this near-wordless horror effort truly announced The Office star's arrival as a filmmaker, complete with style, nerve-rattling scares and a powerful gut-punch of a performance from Emily Blunt. The married pair is not only keeping it in the family, but also play a family trying to survive a post-apocalyptic future. Here, even the slightest sound attracts savage creatures and results in a swift death — and, it also results in one of 2018's best horror movies, as well as an all-round technical feat that thoroughly weaponises silence. Read our full review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m3cPEbwwhg ANNIHILATION The second film from author-turned-director Alex Garland after Ex Machina, Annihilation was originally set for a big-screen release, only for last-minute plans to send it to Netflix in most countries instead. No matter how you watch it, it's a sci-fi/horror trip that seethes with both existential and otherworldly terrors. Natalie Portman leads the cast as biology professor and former soldier Lena, whose husband (Oscar Isaac) returns from a super-secret special forces mission after a year's absence. Alas, nothing is quite right — and when Lena volunteers to follow in his footsteps to try to save him, she takes a team searching for answers within a radiant electromagnetic field called 'the Shimmer". Watch it on Netflix here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du2XfUDfjN0 ONE CUT OF THE DEAD A box office extravaganza in Japan that's made its super low budget back several hundred times over (yes, several hundred), One Cut of the Dead starts out like many a zombie flick. Combine a group of people, a creepy setting and a sudden attack of the undead, and you know what you're in for — even if the victims are a team of filmmakers making a zombie movie, and even if it's all initially captured in one unending take. With Shinichiro Ueda's movie, however, you really don't know what you're in for, even when you're certain that you do Saying more is saying too much, but this is a smart, energetic and highly enjoyable take on a busy genre that has a heap of tricks and twists up its sleeves. One Cut of the Dead will screen as part of the Japanese Film Festival — on November 15 and 24 in Sydney and November 22 and 30 in Melbourne. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTJrztVvmx0 REVENGE The idea that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned is completely outdated, and even insulting. Hell truly hath no fury like a woman exploited by men who simply think they can get away with anything. That's the general idea behind the rape-revenge genre, and the aptly named Revenge is the latest example. A brutal and commanding feature debut by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, it follows Matilda Lutz's Jen, who thinks she's spending a weekend away with her married boyfriend, only for two of his friends to arrive unexpectedly. When things take a turn for the worst, saying that Jen fights back is an absolute understatement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKsZlwq19mE MANDY Two words: cheddar goblin. That'll make more sense once you've seen Mandy, and if it doesn't make you want to watch this out-there genre effort, then the movie mightn't be for you. Starring Nicolas Cage at his most Nicolas Cage-like, the film sees the inimitable star play a lumberjack happily in love with his titular partner (Andrea Riseborough) until a cult and their demonic demon bikers decide to snatch her up. Needless to say, things get strange, bloody and unhinged, with director Panos Cosmatos (Beyond the Black Rainbow) making an 80s-set mind-bender that would've even seemed excessive if it came out three decades ago. That's meant in the best possible manner, with everything from the feature's colour-saturated visuals, to its ferocious score, to Cage's glorious performance all hitting the mark — and, perhaps surprisingly, the movie's melancholy tone as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reMwL8uYXps THE ENDLESS On paper, The Endless might sound like the sum of its intriguing but far from unusual parts, with creepy cults, temporal trickery and sibling struggles all fairly common film fodder. On the screen, however, this film from director/actor duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead proves anything but standard. In fact, it's the kind of sci-fi/horror flick that will floor you with its ingenuity, make you want to watch it again immediately afterwards, and inspire you to check out the filmmaker's first effort, Resolution. Imaginative, enthralling, astute with its aesthetics and atmosphere, and insightful in contemplating both human and supernatural drama, this account of two brothers returning to the close-knit camp they used to call home is the whole weird and wonderful package. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ydNrDCw58c CLIMAX A dance party where everyone's invited, but hardly anyone will make it out alive? That's Gaspar Noe's Climax. While the writer/director is known for pushing buttons and boundaries thanks to the likes of Irreversible, Enter the Void and Love, his latest film isn't quite as provocative in the same manner — but it's still a memorable and mesmerising Noe feature from start to finish. In fact, it just might be his best work. After a dance crew finish their rehearsals, they do what they do best to blow off some steam. Alas, someone has spiked the sangria, and soon an emotional and physical slaughter begins. The frenetic soundtrack rarely lets up, and neither does the carnage or the chaos. In short, it's a lurid, bloody and hypnotic case of mayhem and murder on the dance floor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEnRNIvEKu8 UPGRADE Before Tom Hardy starred as a man whose body was overtaken by a being that could violently control his every move, Tom Hardy lookalike Logan Marshall-Green starred in a movie with almost the exact same premise. Upgrade is a completely different film to Venom, and a better one. It's a sci-fi-horror hybrid that carves out a bleak dystopian world, sets its protagonist on a mission and has an action-packed blast with both. The idea behind the flick is simple, but oh-so-thrilling in Aussie director Leigh Whannell's hands. After a tragic incident, Marshall-Green's Grey Trace loses his wife and the ability to walk, until he's implanted with software called STEM. Grey wants revenge on the people responsible for his misfortune, and STEM is a little too happy to help. Read our full review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yOkE3vsU6g UNSANE When Sawyer Valentini (Claire Foy) seeks out psychiatric assistance in a new city, she expects to chat to an expert who can help her to cope with anxiety and trauma. Instead, she's involuntarily committed into a facility. As you'd expect, it's hardly conducive to improving her overworked, overstressed mental state, or assuaging her terror after being forced to upend her life to avoid a stalker. Foy is magnetic as a woman simultaneously unravelling and trying to keep her wits about her, in what's proving to be a big year for the First Man and The Girl in the Spider's Web star. And, she also benefits from Steven Soderbergh's decision to film Unsane entirely on an iPhone, with a tense, claustrophobic film getting images that couldn't better match its mood. Read our full review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEc3R3Pn0FA THE WOLF HOUSE The most striking, inventive and impressive animated movie of the year doesn't stem from Pixar or Studio Ghibli or any name that you're familiar with. Instead, it's an astonishing and unsettling combination of art installation and filmmaking by artists turned filmmakers Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña. The Wolf House takes its cues from fairytales as a girl with three little pigs finds refuge in a building in the woods, but this is closer to David Lynch's nightmares than anything you might've read as a kid. It's also a technical marvel, using large-scale stop-motion to unparalleled effect, with its scenes staged and filmed in galleries around the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmBZC3CcsZ8 PROFILE Profile is the latest film to use what might seem like a gimmick — and the third linked Night Watch, Wanted and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter director Timur Bekmambetov — and it's absolutely captivating. Unlike Unfriended and Searching, which he produced, Bekmambetov helms this based-on-a-true-story account of a journalist (Valene Kane) investigating ISIS enlistment campaigns by befriending a charming recruiter (Shazad Latif) online. Tabs, programs and windows pop up thick and fast, and the stress soars with it, as a bond forms between the two. Tense and horrific in a variety of ways, this is slick, thrilling and utterly involving filmmaking. And with pitch-perfect performances to go with it, it's a film that not only entertains and engages, but lingers.
No man is an island entire of itself. Except maybe Peter Thiel, co-founder of Paypal. Working in tandem with the Seasteading Institute, the Silicon Valley billionaire is making plans for the first floating city to be launched off the coast of San Francisco next year. As an organisation experimenting in the creation of floating island states, the institute is a hub of design and innovation in offshore communities. What can be best described as 'oil-platform like structures' will operate according to Mr. Thiel's ideas of a "more efficient, practical public sector model", unfettered by minimum wage, welfare, restrictions on weapons and tight building codes. Quite a list you say. The icing on the cake is Mr. Thiel's US$1.25 billion pledge, calling upon Seastead to 'open a frontier for experimenting with new ideas for government'. In an interview with Details magazine, founder of the Seasteading Institute has estimated the project to start small with 270 residents, and rapidly upscale to support over ten million by 2050. For those averse to the idea, Margaret Crawford, Professor of Architecture at UC Berkeley, cites it as particularly shortsighted, and "without any urban-planning implications whatsoever". And she has a point. Many other concerns that have been raised, namely "What about pirates?" and "Are seasteading enthusiasts just a bunch of rich guys wanting even more freedom?" are also addressed as perfectly legitimate in the Institute's FAQ section.
It arrives in the dead of winter. It fills Hobart with festivalgoers in the dark of night. It gets the brave donning nothing but their birthday suits to take a dip for the winter solstice. For ten fests now, with Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art at the helm, Dark Mofo has unleashed its wildest and weirdest delights upon the Apple Isle — its most sinister, surprising, challenging and stunning as well — and tempted arts lovers Australia-wide and beyond to the nation's southernmost state. Don't just think of Dark Mofo as the twisted sibling to Tasmania's other big annual festival, summer's Mona Foma, though. Running from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in 2023, this event adores the space where opposites clash: dark and light, birth and death, all things wholesome and hedonistic included. That's what makes it the kind of Tassie getaway where you can slumber while listening to an eight-and-a-half-hour lullaby, see garbage turned into musical instruments, then wander into a theatre-meets-rave performance and witness Dante's journey through hell, purgatory and paradise come to life. Keen on the sunnier, sweeter side of this year's lineup? Prefer letting loose and making "when at Dark Mofo" your mantra? There's an event on the 2023 program for you either way, and no matter what level of chaos you're after — and after asking the Dark Mofo team for their tips on both sides of the spectrum, we've put together this handy guide. Concrete Playground Trips' Dark Mofo accommodation package might come in helpful, too. And, while some of these events are sold out at the time of writing, keep a keen eye on the fest's resales for more tickets. WHOLESOME: [caption id="attachment_899216" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo credit: Luke Currie-Richardson. Courtesy of BARKAA and Dark Mofo, Nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] THE GATHERING There's no doubting that Dark Mofo knows how to throw a party. That's the entire festival from start to finish, as well as many of its events from its first moments each year to its last. But there's nothing like a massive opening-night celebration — especially when that shindig showcases and celebrates First Nations culture and talent, as The Gathering does. On 2023's bill: Palawa and mainland Indigenous artists, all taking over In The Hanging Garden from 6.30pm–12am on Thursday, June 8. When you're not listing to BARKAA's energetic tunes and Tasman Keith's synth-scored raps, you'll be enjoying dameeeela's mixes, DENNI's vocals, and MARLON X RULLA's R&B and hip hop. Kartanya + KARAI are joining forces for a performance that blends poetry and music, Rob Braslin will do a stand-up set and Lutruwita / Tasmanian Aboriginal Elder Uncle Dougie Mansell will play music inspired by the state. And, in a partnership with Melbourne's YIRRAMBOI, Kin heroes cross-cultural connections between Victoria's Koorie and Tasmania's Palawa peoples. [caption id="attachment_803281" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Max Richter — SLEEP, Kraftwerk Berlin 2016. Photo: Stefan Hoederath.[/caption] MAX RICHTER'S SLEEP For some party people at Dark Mofo — many, even — spending all night at the festival doesn't involve getting any shuteye. But hitting the hay is definitely a part of this year's fest. Actually, Dark Mofo wants you to wear your pyjamas and sleep over. The slumber party comes courtesy of Max Richter's SLEEP, which returns to Australia for an eight-and-a-half-hour overnight stint on Wednesday, June 14 (and heads to Tasmania as an Aussie exclusive). You'll close your eyes, drift off to the land of nod and Richter's compositions will play as you snooze. The forty-winks part will happen on beds provided by Dark Mofo, while the latter is based on the neuroscience of having a kip. If you've seen the documentary about it, you'll already be excited — and you'll have your PJs ready. [caption id="attachment_899213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo, Nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] ZINDZI & THE ZILLIONAIRES There's a bear on Dark Mofo's 2023 program. There's also an actor and musician that usually appears on-screen to entertain the festival's youngest attendees after a song about chairs, games and stories gets a spin. That'd be Zindzi, one of Play School's beloved hosts, who joins the fest lineup with The Zillionaires, her fluffy sidekicks. This concert is firmly for kids — and the adults taking them along, with children under two admitted free. If you're making the visit to Tassie with your family, Zindzi's two daytime sets on Sunday, June 11 (at 12pm and 2.30pm) are prime all-ages fun. And yes, you'll also know Zindzi as Okenyo, and for popping up as an actor in The Code, Sisters, Wakefield and Totally Completely Fine. [caption id="attachment_899214" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo credit: Zizuke. Courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo, Nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] FULU MIZIKI Venturing to Dark Mofo from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Fulu Miziki won't just entertain you with their Afro-futurist-punk sounds. That's a given; however, they'll also make you think twice about what you discard. As you watch them play, they'll be making music with garbage — which they've turned into musical instruments. There are two parts to Fulu Miziki's Dark Mofo stint. The experimental workshop on Sunday, June 11 will teach a few lucky folks how to follow in the collective's footsteps with their own refuse and reclaimed materials, complete with a concert afterwards. And, the day prior on Saturday, June 10, Fulu Miziki will also be taking to the Odeon Theatre stage. This isn't just a family-friendly part of Dark Mofo — it's eco-friendly as well. [caption id="attachment_899210" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo credit: Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo, Nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] WITHOUT US YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER LEARNT ABOUT LOVE When we said before that there's a bear in Dark Mofo's 2023 program, we were referring to Giant Teddy, a towering Korean pop culture-inspired teddy bear that has lasers for eyes, plus a camera that'll show its live surveillance elsewhere in Hobart. But you can also expect to see stuffed toys at Without Us You Would Have Never Learnt About Love — because it makes an operatic tragedy with repurposed playthings. Artist Jason Phu is behind this creative use of jailbroken toys, and will have them performing inside a taoist robotic shrine. If it sounds like the kind of thing that you don't see every day, it truly is. Checking it out is free, and as simple as heading to the Baha'i Centre from 4–10pm between Thursday, June 8–Monday, June 12 and Wednesday, June 14–Sunday, June 18. HEDONISTIC: [caption id="attachment_898571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo Credit: Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford. Image Courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Dark Mofo 2018.[/caption] WINTER FEAST Winter Feast is all about tucking into local produce by the fire while listening to tunes and just generally enjoying an evening of revelry. One of Dark Mofo's annual highlights, it returns for 2023 across eight nights — running from Thursday, June 8–Sunday, June 11, then again from Thursday, June 15–Sunday, June 18, at Salamanca Lawns and Princes Wharf Shed 1 — with 90 stallholders setting up by the feast's blazes. Headlining the 2023 event is an acclaimed culinary name: Ana Roš, who you might know from Netflix documentary Chef's Table. She's the owner of Slovenia's two Michelin-starred restaurant Hiša Franko in Kobarid, and was named the world's best female chef by The World's 50 Best Restaurants academy in 2017. The World Tourism Organisation have also given her the title Ambassador of Gastronomic Tourism. At Dark Mofo, Roš will get cooking in a newly built 50-seat structure just for cooking and dining, and she'll have company: Stephen Peak and Rodney Dunn, both from New Norfolk's The Agrarian Kitchen. Their spread is set to span four courses, taking its cues from the dishes that that Roš and Peak whip up in their own kitchens. So, expect Slovenian-inspired fare, but made with Tasmania's top seasonal produce. [caption id="attachment_897774" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Camille Blake. Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] TRANCE Slipping into a different mindset is just part of being at Dark Mofo. At TRANCE, you're openly invited to slide into a reverie in the process. Hailing from Berlin-based Chinese artist Tianzhuo Chen, this three-day performance from Thursday, June 8–Saturday, June 10 isn't just something that you watch — it's a true festival experience. You'll need to purchase a 'trance pass' to head along, which gives you access to the whole show across its run. Then, you can wander in and out as you like, seeing each day's 12-hour ritual — which is batched up in six two-hour chapters — in what's basically a physical theatre-meets-rave show. Along the way, you'll notice nods to religious iconography and pop culture alike — and Butoh choreography as well — as things get psychedelic and transcendental. You'll also spot Tinazhuo's cast of characters go all-in on testing the body's corporeal limits. [caption id="attachment_886260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Marianna Wytyczak[/caption] A DIVINE COMEDY A wild dance theatre performance inspired by Dante's The Divine Comedy? Yes, that sounds completely in Dark Mofo's wheelhouse. That production is A Divine Comedy, hailing from Austrian choreographer and performance artist Florentina Holzinger, and hitting the festival from Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18 as both an Australian premiere and an Aussie exclusive. Holzinger is known for making challenging and provocative theatre, and for exploring gender relations — including how women's bodies are represented in art and media. For A Divine Comedy, she's staging the whole dive into the hell, purgatory and paradise as a giant autopsy room, all to explore how humans negotiate life and death. From an all-female-identifying cast spanning all ages, as well as a variety of physical, musical and athletic disciplines, expect to see nude performers, slapstick acts, bodily substances and references to slasher movies as well — plus a jam-packed selection of nods to art and dance's respective histories. [caption id="attachment_899218" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image courtesy of DarkLab.[/caption] THE BLUE ROSE BALL Get ready for a ball both wonderful and strange: Dark Mofo's hedonistic masquerade, which this year is called The Blue Rose Ball. David Lynch fans, this sounds like absolute heaven — and it is indeed inspired by the inimitable filmmaker behind Twin Peaks. The event takes its name from a secret task force in that very show, in fact, which you'll already know if you agree that it's the best show ever made (as you should). On Wednesday, June 7, a mystery venue will play host to cocktails, wines, aperitifs and epicurean provisions. Exactly what will happen from there is set to be revealed on the night — having your expectations challenged Lynch-style is part of the fun, of course — but if your costume includes red and white zigzags, you've obviously nailed it. Fancy getting a Lynch-meets-Dark Mofo fix throughout the rest of fest? From Thursday, June 8–Monday, June 12 and Wednesday, June 14–Sunday, June 18, Dark Park will also play host to a Blue Velvet Lounge, and with live tunes and performances all on theme. [caption id="attachment_899219" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo credit: Rosie Hastie, 2022. Image courtesy of Dark Mofo 2022.[/caption] NIGHT MASS If you love wild affairs that run late into the evening, it's time to lose yourself to Night Mass. Anything and everything can and does happen at this after-dark affair, which is sprawling wider in 2023 than usual — taking over three city blocks, and naming the space District X. Within the precinct's confines, there'll be 13 stages hosting a hefty list of acts, all in an area with a capacity of 4500 — with Night Mass taking place over five nights across two weekends. Those dates: Friday, June 9–Sunday, June 11, and then Friday, June 16–Saturday, June 17. On offer: everything from music and cocktail lounges through to punk theatre and junkyard raves. Attendees can also expect art, performances, cinema cabarets, games arcades, tarot readings, plenty of places to eat and drink, and fire beacons lighting the way. And, on the bill, folks such as Desire Marea, dameeeela, Amnesia Scanner, Violent Magic Orchestra and Mahne Frame, as well as Ms Boogie, Prison Religion, Pelada, Marie Davidson and Moktar. Dark Mofo 2023 runs from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania, with tickets on sale now. Top image: Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford, 2018. Image of Société Anonyme Costume Ball Hadley's Orient Hotel. Image Courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world — including our Dark Mofo tickets and accommodation package.
Leaping from the screen to the stage in 2018, Mean Girls not only found a second life in the theatre, but did so with singing and dancing. Unsurprisingly, the production was a hit. With the musical's book written by Tina Fey, its tunes composed by her husband Jeff Richmond and its lyrics by Tony-nominee Nell Benjamin, the machinations of high-school cliques struck just as much of a chord with audiences when set to songs — and given that the show's tracks have highly appropriate names such as 'Meet the Plastics', 'World Burn' and 'Here (You Can Sit with Us)', that's to be expected. Also easy to predict: the musical's next leap, with Cady Heron's tale heading back to the cinema. No need to stress if you haven't seen the all-singing, all-dancing Mean Girls on Broadway, because a film version will soon be brightening up a picture palace near you. When the movie adaptation screens on a Wednesday, you'll want to wear pink. And, like the Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams-starring original film, as well as the stage musical that followed, you'll be basking in Fey's talents. She wrote the initial feature's screenplay and, as detailed by The Hollywood Reporter, she's now producing this new movie musical. So is Saturday Night Live's Lorne Michaels, although no other creatives — or cast, or a release date — have been announced. The story will stay the same, obviously, charting Cady's rough adjustment to American high-school life after spending the bulk of her childhood living in Africa — and her time spent with the resident popular clique, known as 'the Plastics'. If you're wondering how it all works as a musical, check out a clip from the stage show below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGmgEoOF7Gs Via The Hollywood Reporter.
With work, family and other commitments, finding time to catch up with your friends can feel nearly impossible. So when you finally spot a gap in the calendar and lock in a date, the restaurant better be top-notch — we're adults now, after all. If you're just not sure where to go that'll offer the good feed you desire and the space to accommodate your potentially rowdy crew, never fear. We've teamed up with Westpac to offer you a list of eateries that'll ensure your long-awaited rendezvous will be one to remember. Westpac knows how awkward some money moments feel, which is why it's teamed up Beem It, the fast and simple way to pay and get paid. Forget waiting days for bank transfers, furiously typing in BSB and account numbers or hoping your mates will get you back next time. Beem It lets you split expenses and settle up instantly, no matter who you bank with. Plus, the app does all the pesky math lets you know who owes what in seconds (without hassling the waitstaff). In charge of organising a well-overdue catch up with your mates? Read on for a list of group-friendly dining spots you need to book once you've locked in a time for your next crew do.
If you've ever felt a little hungover or lazy in the last few years, you'll know exactly how incredible online ordering systems likeDelivery Hero are. Shopping online for pizza is a thing of beauty, and the fact that it can come straight to your door, already paid for with minimum human contact is a marvel of modern technology. But now they've gone one step further: Delivery Hero are introducing the same service for your pets. Currently only available in Sydney, Doggy Bag is an extenuation of the service you know and love that offers a range of "gourmet takeaway meals for pets". No, your dog won't be subjected to the greasy Pad Thai and pepperoni pizza you were planning on gorging on. These dishes will be made to sufficient nutrition standards with minimum seasoning — your loving pet really shouldn't be punished for how lazy you are. Ranging from $5-9, Doggy Bags are currently available from 10 Sydney restaurants including Erskineville Turkish Pide & Kebabs, Micky's Cafe in Paddington and Millennium Pizzeria in Darlington. The menu options will include penne in a meat sauce with chicken, zucchini, carrots and pumpkin; and boiled chicken fillet with tumeric and garden vegetables. "Everyone we approached was very excited to develop meals for pets," said Delivery Hero marketing executive Guillaume Papillion. "The restaurants were all briefed with what ingredients they should and should not use. Onions, for instance, are toxic to dogs." The owner of Taste of India in Double Bay even consulted a vet on whether dogs could eat tumeric (they can). Though it's only been available for a few days, the service looks promising. Delivery Hero claim they already have plans to expand the reach of Doggy Bags across Sydney and the rest of the country. So, look out: there's a good chance your pets will be eating better than you in the coming months. Via Good Food.
This burger-centred eatery in Redfern boasts a one-of-a-kind concept that injects a dose of fun into Sydney's familiar surroundings. Upon venturing to Suburgia, you'll find that the menu spans from the Eastern suburbs all the way through to the heart of the West — and you're guaranteed to spot a familiar name. The self-proclaimed "best burger spot in the 'burbs" is home to a huge menu of inventive dishes. Peruse the selection and you'll spot a stacked beef burger with bacon jam assigned to Ashfield; a beetroot and truffle mayo burg for Marrickville; a sweet and spicy chicken burger with gochujang mayo, barbecue sauce, pineapple and bacon in honour of Redfern; and plant-based varieties representing Ingleburn, Petersham, Ultimo and Edgecliff, to name a few. Surburgia's menu doesn't end there — this Chalmers Street locale has the whole shebang. You'll also be met with desserts like apple berry bombs, slices of mud cake and sticky date pudding, alongside a hefty selection of toppings for loaded fries. Plus, there is also a rotating menu of monthly specials that you can pick from. Previous instalments have included the likes of a Turkish-inspired Iskender Surprise, which combined sujuk, za'atar, labne and a tomato relish; the schnitzel-starring BIG Caesar with onion rings, anchovies, bacon and garlic butter; and a seafood-focused riff on a loaded hot dog that paired pepper squid, prawn takoyaki and fish with a chilli seafood salad, miso and yuzu mayo.
Since 1989, Sweden's Icehotel has given travellers a decidedly cool place to stay each winter. December hits, and the site reveals its new frosty rooms — the kind that are carved out of ice and only around for a short time, as they'll melt once the weather gets warmer. They're not just any old slabs of ice and snow in the village of Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, however. As part of their annual tradition, the accommodation provider calls for designers and artists to unleash their chilly ideas — then unveils their wondrous creations to travellers. In the 2018–19 crop? A candy-inspired world made out of cold, cold substances, a forest campsite complete with an icy kombi van you can sleep in, a bed guarded by icy animals and another that resembles a journey into the ocean's depths. Or, perhaps you'd like to climb into a dome-shaped room that looks like a polar cave — or a geometric-heavy abode that's not only inspired by cracking ice, but adds more cracks the more you move through the suite. Now open until April 2019, the fresh blend of ice and creativity features 35 one-of-a-kind rooms in total, as crafted by 34 artists from 13 different countries. They're made from more than 30,000 cubic metres of snice — that's a mix of snow and ice — from the local Torne River. As well as places to sleep, the new iteration also includes an ice bar, ice ceremony hall and ice gallery. If you're a fan of the kind of coldness the southern hemisphere doesn't see at this time of the year, but you can't make it to Icehotel's cold climes during the northern winter, don't worry — in addition to their annual slate of artistic suites, Icehotel has been open all year round for the past year. It includes 20 permanent suites, an ice bar, plus private saunas and spas for an added touch of warmth in such cold surroundings. For more information about Icehotel, visit www.icehotel.com. Images: Asaf Kliger.
How do you fill 18 Victorian winter days with movies? That's the glorious problem that the Melbourne International Film Festival is tasked with solving each year. 2025's solution for its 73rd event will span hundreds of pictures, brand-new local features and must-see international award-winners alike, as MIFF delivers every August. Some examples this time around: Jafar Panahi's Cannes Palme d'Or-winning It Was Just an Accident, almost-100-year-old masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc with a new score by Julia Holter performed live, an Australian time-loop comedy involving tequila, a Baker Boy- and Hugh Jackman (Deadpool & Wolverine)-narrated tribute to David Gulpilil, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind filmmaker Michel Gondry's latest and the world-premiere of natural disaster-focused virtual-reality documentary When the World Came Flooding In. Yes, it's MIFF first glance time, with the festival revealing its initial batch of titles for 2025 — and it's a hefty collection. While there's many more to come, 26 films are now officially on the lineup and set to hit Melbourne's big screens between Thursday, August 7–Sunday, August 24. Some will also play regional Victoria venues across two weekends, Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 17 and Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24. Then there's the return of MIFF Online via the Australian Centre for the Moving Image's streaming platform Cinema 3, sharing selected fest titles with the rest of Australia across Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 31 (and with Melburnians, too, for a week after the physical festival ends for the year). Among the films mentioned above, the combination of Julia Holter and Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1928 silent great The Passion of Joan of Arc is taking over Melbourne Recital Centre for two evenings; One More Shot will get the spirits flowing amid temporal trickery with help from Emily Browning (Class of '07), Apple Cider Vinegar co-stars Aisha Dee and Ashley Zukerman, Sean Keenan (Exposure) and Pallavi Sharda (The Office); Journey Home, David Gulpilil charts the iconic actor's journey to be laid to rest; and Maya, Give Me a Title hails from Gondry. But even from the first-glance batch, they're just the beginning. Also on the bill, for instance: Richard Linklater's (Hit Man) Blue Moon with Ethan Hawke (Leave the World Behind), Margaret Qualley (The Substance) and Andrew Scott (Ripley); Carey Mulligan (Spaceman) in music-fuelled comedy The Ballad of Wallis Island; the Dylan O'Brien (Saturday Night)-led Twinless; and Dreams, with Jessica Chastain (Mothers' Instinct) reuniting with her Memory helmer Michel Franco. "It all starts here — the full MIFF 2025 program is soon to arrive; set to be a world-ranging, celebratory and all-out extraordinary collection of films," said Melbourne International Film Festival Artistic Director Al Cossar, announcing his team's debut picks for this year. "I'm excited to share some of our first announcement of titles, and incredible highlights, of this year's MIFF: beloved auteurs, festival blockbusters, the best of new Australian filmmaking, alongside the incredibly special and absolutely unmissable live-score cinema event Julia Holter: The Passion of Joan of Arc." Similarly on the way to Melbourne: A24's Sorry, Baby starring Naomi Ackie (Mickey 17), Harvest's pairing of actor Caleb Landry Jones (DogMan) and Greek filmmaker Athina Rachel Tsangari (Chevalier), actor Jay Duplass (Dying for Sex) making his solo directorial debut with SXSW Austin favourite The Baltimorons, and The Bear and Beef alum Alex Russell also doing the same with the obsessive Lurker. The 60s-era Bond-style homage Reflections in a Dead Diamond should be at the top of your list as well if you were a fan of Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani's Let the Corpses Tan when it played MIFF back in 2018, or Amer and The Strange Colour of Your Body's Tears in general. Or, catch Cloud, with e-commerce in the spotlight in Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa's (Serpent's Path) new thriller. Plus, Marlon Williams: Two Worlds — Ngā Ao E Rua is about its namesake New Zealand musician, while Fwends is set in Melbourne and marks Sophie Somerville's first feature. If you've been paying attention to Sydney Film Festival's 2025 program and you're spotting some familiar pictures, MIFF does indeed share some of the same films, as is the custom each and every year. [caption id="attachment_1002698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Greg Cotten.[/caption] The Victorian capital's annual major film fest boasts its own premiere fund, though, which helps to finance new Australian movies. That's where not only One More Shot but a range of other titles come in, with 2025's haul also spanning the likes of Filipino Australian photographer James J Robinson's debut feature First Light, documentary Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke about the comedy icon, the competitive Microsoft Excel-centric Spreadsheet Champions and Nigerian stand-up comedian Okey Bakassi in Pasa Faho's window into being African Australian, MIFF's program already goes on from there, and already boasts oh-so-much to get excited about; however for even more, the full 2025 lineup will arrive on Thursday, July 10. [caption id="attachment_997749" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alistair Heap/Focus Features ©2025 All Rights Reserved[/caption] The 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 7–Sunday, August 24 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 17 and Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 31. For further details, including the full program from Thursday, July 10, visit the MIFF website. Top image: Ben King/Stan.
Life in the 21st century has a hell of a lot going for it, and our daily existence has never been more convenient. It's also never been more stressful. Between overbooked schedules, constant social media updates, and lengthy commutes on public transport, sometimes you just need a bit of a break from it all. Luckily, booking a holiday to a deserted island isn't the only way to hit the refresh button. For a substantially cheaper and more accessible escape, make your way to one of Sydney's retro eateries for a few hours of grown-up make-believe. Whether you want to feel like you're hobnobbing with the Mad Men set, sipping on cocktails in postwar Paris, or dining in 1930s Shanghai, we've got the place for you. In collaboration with American Express, we've hunted down the best spots to go when nostalgia for a bygone era hits hard. They all accept Amex, too, so you can stock up on points. A few hours in one of these places and you'll be ready to brave the modern world again in no time. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
If you're a true-blue Aussie KFC fan, you've probably felt a little miffed by the fried chicken empire's decision to completely overlook us when doling out its unique merch. Our mates in New Zealand got KFC candles, the USA scored chicken-scented sunscreen and Japan lucked out with fried chook-inspired bath bombs. Well, now it's finally our turn for a piece of the finger lickin' action, as KFC launches what might just be the most Aussie merchandise collection ever. Dropping as part of a month-long fundraising initiative by the KFC Youth Foundation the limited edition goodies will be up for grabs online from noon tomorrow, Thursday, August 16. All profits from merch sales will go towards supporting local youth-focused charities, including Youngcare, StreetWork and ReachOut. The unique haul includes cotton trackies in that famous KFC print, racy red KFC-inspired budgie smugglers, printed socks, a necklace and a '100% Original Recipe' tee. You'll also be able to get your mitts on the world's first-ever KFC-scented surfboard wax and — if you're extra quick and willing to part with $3000 — the single-edition 'Harland' surfboard, emblazoned with the Colonel's face. If subtlety's more your style, nip into any KFC restaurant across the country to show your love with one of their limited run enamel badges. The five-strong collection features a mini nuglife box, the Colonel's iconic black tie, an Original Recipe bucket, a tie-wearing chicken, and a tiny homage to the KFC drumstick. Catch the collection from 12pm, Thursday August 16, right here.
Life keeps finding a way to bring new movies in the Jurassic franchise to cinemas — and its characters keep finding a way to come face to face with prehistoric creatures. Three years after Jurassic World Dominion, the saga's latest instalment will stomp into picture palaces come winter Down Under. Welcome to ... Jurassic World Rebirth. Also, welcome to a cast featuring Scarlett Johansson (Fly Me to the Moon), Jonathan Bailey (Wicked) and Mahershala Ali (Leave the World Behind) embarking upon a clandestine mission to a secret island that was home to the research facility for Jurassic Park's original dino sanctuary. The date for your diary to discover how that turns out (which, for the human characters involved, will be badly): Thursday, July 3, 2025. The idea at the heart of the series' seventh entry, as the just-dropped first trailer for the flick shows: on the landmass at the centre of the new movie, different species of dinosaurs to those that the films have featured before roam — species that were considered too dangerous for the park. Johannson plays covert operations expert Zora Bennett, who heads there with Bailey's palaeontologist Dr Henry Loomis and Ali as her righthand man Duncan Kincaid — and company — to obtain genetic material that could help develop drugs to save human lives. Accordingly, Rebirth turns a Jurassic World movie into a heist film — with pesky rampaging ancient beasts. As well Johansson, Bailey, and Moonlight and Green Book Oscar-winner Ali, the movie's lineup of on-screen talent also spans Rupert Friend (Companion) as a pharmaceutical executive; Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer) as a civilian who gets dragged into the mission after becoming shipwrecked; Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty) and Audrina Miranda (Lopez vs Lopez) as the latter's family members; and Philippine Velge (The Serpent Queen), Bechir Sylvain (Black Mafia Family) and Ed Skrein (Rebel Moon) among Zora and Krebs' crew. In the feature's storyline, five years have passed since the events of Jurassic World Dominion — which, for audiences, followed 2015's Jurassic World and 2018's Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom in the Jurassic World saga, plus 1993's Jurassic Park, 1997's The Lost World: Jurassic Park and 2001's Jurassic Park III in the OG Jurassic Park trilogy. Jurassic World Rebirth director Gareth Evans (The Creator) is new to the franchise, but knows a thing or two about flicks about fighting giant creatures courtesy of 2010's Monsters and 2014's Godzilla. Rebirth does have a key link back to the debut Jurassic Park movie, however, with screenwriter David Koepp returning after co-penning the initial film and scripting the second solo. (Koepp also returns to grappling with dinosaurs after a three-movie run writing screenplays for Steven Soderbergh with Kimi, Presence and Black Bag.) Check out the first trailer for Jurassic World Rebirth below: Jurassic World Rebirth releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
This artist refuses to stop sliding. Longtime lover of the playground staple, Carsten Höller has been bringing slides into his work since the '90s. Now he's installed a colossal freestanding slide at Swiss furniture company Vitra's campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Off-time just got a whole lot better for Vitra residents. Höller's latest piece, straightforwardly named Vitra Slide Tower (2014), stands at a whopping 100 feet tall. It's also a clock. Why not. “I think it would change our lives if we could slide more,” Höller told the New York Times. True that, imagine sliding from bed to work instead of that dastardly train trip. You're feeling a cheeky second morning coffee but you work in a walk-up? Sliiiiiide. You're running late but the nearest bus stop is at least twenty minutes down the hill thattaway? Sliiiiiide. You despise the Goo Goo Dolls but your housemate just cranked their Party of Five-friendly '98 single? Sliiiiiide. Höller has been using slides in his work since 1998, from the Berlin Biennale to his hugely popular 2007 work Test Site in the Turbine Hall at London's Tate Modern. More recently, Höller installed a spiralling tube slide through all four floors of NYC's New Museum as part of his stunning 2011-12 takeover exhibition Experience. You'd jump in here... ... shoot through here... ... end up here. Then race back up stairs, push the kiddies out of the way and ART AGAIN! But there's more to sliding than "WEEEEEEEEE!" Höller more eloquently quotes French sociologist Roger Caillois in his New York Times interview, seeing structures as more than their functional ability to transport things — creating what he calls a "voluptuous panic" during sliding. Höller's love for sliding is reminscent of the time a UK artist decided to build a giant Slip N Slide through Bristol, primarily because he was jaded by how people move from A to B. Either way, dudes know how to party. Via artnet and New York Times.
Just a short 25-minute drive from Wellington's CBD or a six-minute helicopter flight over mountainous terrain and along the rugged Kāpiti coast is new private clifftop retreat, Pipinui Point. If you've always wanted to unwind with your significant other or travel buddies on a scenic crag, this could be your opportunity. The two-bedroom retreat is perched on a cliff 250 metres above the Tasman Sea. Owner Tom Eastwick says the clifftop location makes you feel like you are literally on the edge of the earth. The boutique property is surrounded by 1600 acres of coastal farmland and has been designed to showcase the extreme natural environment of the Ohariu Valley. During the process of construction the owners preserved 120 hectares of native bush for regeneration. They also plan on releasing a rare rowi brown kiwi at Pipinui Point next year. At the retreat guests can cop uninterrupted west-facing views of the coastline from Kaikōura to Mount Taranaki. Watch the sun go down from the private deck, marinate in the outdoor bathtub, or take shelter from the elements beside the cosy wood-burning fire. To save you nipping out in that helicopter, pantry essentials are included and several dining options can be arranged on-site. Gourmet cheeseboards and antipasto platters are available for picnics around the property, and chef Warren Maddox is on call to whip up dinner using local and foraged produce — his latest signature creation is beef short rib with hazelnut crumb, port jus and carrot. Continental breakfast is also included in your sleepover. Those looking for further excitement can venture out to the neighbouring Boomrock estate for a variety of activities. Take aim at clay targets, head out on a coastal safari farm tour and have a go at axe throwing. More extreme excursions might see visitors smash golf balls down the 250-metre cliff face, take the wheel of a high-performance race car, or explore the region on an all-terrain four-wheel-drive adventure. You can also take control of a two-tonne excavator. The rates for Pipinui Point start at NZD$575 per night for two guests. For more information and to make a booking, visit pipinuipoint.co.nz.
Chances are, you've got a fondness for taking the odd selfie snap, but would you consider it a mental condition? A recent study by Nottingham Trent University psychologists Mark D. Griffiths and Janarthanan Balakrishnan has explored the idea of 'selfitis' — that is, a disorder that's diagnosed as obsessive selfie taking. After the term first appeared in a series of hoax news stories back in 2014, the pair decided to put it to the test with some actual empirical research. They interviewed 400 Indian university students about their selfie behaviours, asking questions like 'what compels you to take selfies?', and discussing affecting factors like social competition and mood modification. According to the research, titled An Exploratory Study of Selfitis and the Developmentof the Selfitis Behavior Scale, there are three different levels of the disorder. Borderline sufferers are those snapping at least three selfies a day without posting them on social media, acute sufferers would be taking at least three selfies and sharing them, and those with a chronic level of the disorder have an "uncontrollable urge to take photos of one's self around the clock" and post more than six times a day. Others in the field of psychology are yet to be convinced selfitis is a real thing, though Balakrishnan told Business Insider Australia he hopes their study will pave the way for a deeper look into the disorder. "Now the existence of the condition appears to have been confirmed, it is hoped that further research will be carried out to understand more about how and why people develop this potentially obsessive behaviour, and what can be done to help people who are the most affected," he said. While there's no doubt that body image, anxiety and other issues can be exacerbated by social media, we'll wait to see some corroborating studied before we start slinging the term around. Via Business Insider Australia.
There's more to going to the movies than just seeing the flicks that fill megaplexes, as Australia's thriving film festival scene demonstrates. The country's third-largest capital city might've just been robbed of its major annual cinema showcase, but our love of films beyond the mainstream can't be thwarted that easily. As far as Hollywood's addition to the movie-making fold is concerned, that's where the American Essentials Film Festival comes in. Founded in 2016 as a way to fill select Aussie cinemas with the kind of US titles that don't usually make it to our shores, the touring festival returns for its second run with another lineup of noteworthy inclusions — 31 films and 20 Aussie premieres, in fact. Making its way around the country between May 9 and 28, complete with runs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide, the fest kicks off with an Oscar-nominated performance, boasts a documentary dedicated to a talent who makes films (and TV shows) like no one else, and features everyone from Greta Gerwig (twice!) to Australia's own Bond to Ewan McGregor jumping behind the camera. Prepare for a busy movie-viewing month. Fresh from earning a nod for best original screenplay at this year's Academy Awards — and garnering lead actress Annette Bening a Golden Globe nomination, too — 20th Century Women will get the festival started, marking writer/director Mike Mills' first movie since 2010's Beginners. Bening stars as a mother coping with the fact her son is growing up, and calling in pals played by Gerwig and Elle Fanning to help. As promised, Gerwig also features in Todd Solondz's Wiener-Dog, which comes to the fest after having its Australian premiere at last year's Sydney Underground Film Festival. Also on the bill, and impeccably timed given that the third season of Twin Peaks starts airing during May, is highly anticipated doco David Lynch: The Art Life, while docudrama Becoming Bond keeps the factual fun going by delving into the Aussie that once played oo7. American Pastoral is the aforementioned McGregor's first stint as a director; California Dreams explores the real folks trying to make it in LA, La La Land-style; G-Funk dives into the style of hip hop started by Warren G, Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg; and 2016 Cannes hit The Transformation follows a 14-year-old who thinks he's a vampire. As well as highlighting new flicks, with Are We Not Cats' magical realism and Detour's crime thrills also on offer, American Essentials shines a spotlight on classic titles in its Masters & Masterpieces retrospective. That's where audiences can watch Lynch's inimitable debut Eraserhead for its 4oth anniversary, as well as his 2001 standout Mulholland Drive — plus the Carrie Fisher-written Postcards on the Edge; Andy Warhol's Bad, which is the last film the artist produced before his death; and a Charles Bukowski double of doco You Never Had It: An Evening with Bukowski alongside the semi-autobiographical, Mickey Rourke-starring 1987 favourite Barfly. The American Essentials Film Festival tours Australia from May 9, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street and Palace Verona from May 9 to 24; Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth and The Astor Theatre from May 11 to 24; and Brisbane's Palace Centro from May 17 to 28. For more information, visit the festival website.
Chippendale stalwart The Lord Gladstone Hotel is joining the growing list of local businesses that are encouraging vaccination by giving away freebies. If you've been vaccinated, you can make the most of promotions including hotel room upgrades, cheap sneakers and frequent flyer points. Now, The Gladdy is reinventing itself as The Lord Jabstone Hotel for the month of September and giving jabbed patrons a free takeaway Young Henrys beer. The beloved pub has even adorned itself with a new sign to mark the occasion. "We know the quickest way back to a thriving pub again is through vaccination, we back our doctors and scientists and wanna show our support to all the legends doing their part for the greater community," owner Mitch Crum says. In order to claim your free takeaway tinnie, just head into The Jabstone and show proof of vaccination. The promotion is available for anyone who has received their first jab of any COVID-19 vaccine. [caption id="attachment_723814" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lord Gladstone owners Ben Johnson and Mitch Crum[/caption] If you need more motivation to swing past Chippendale, you can pick up a meal from the pub's excellent takeaway menu. Swing past on a Thursday to take advantage of its $12.50 steak night, or come by on a Saturday for slow-smoked charcoal chicken or pork rib packs. The inner city mainstay's menu also features a range of pub classics, burgers, salads and tacos. Other pubs offering free beers to encourage vaccination include Rozelle's Bald Rock Hotel and the Prince Alfred Hotel down in Melbourne. Earlier this month, Hawke's Brewing Co also hosted a giveaway, offering 'slabs for jabs' to vaccinated Sydneysiders. NSW's path out of stay-at-home conditions is tied to vaccination rates, with more restrictions set to relax when the state hits 70-percent and 80-percent double doses. These thresholds are in line with Australia's overall 'National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response' that was announced in July, which steps through how the country aims to move away from lockdowns, temper restrictions for fully vaxxed folks and handle COVID-19 cases moving forward. If you're looking to book your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, this helpful map shows vaccination clinics across NSW. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in NSW and to have a look at the COVID-19 vaccination map, head to the NSW Government website. You can also keep up-to-date with the latest restrictions including mask-wearing and travel limitations via the NSW Health website. The Lord Gladstone is located at 115 Regent St, Chippendale and is open 11am–8pm Wednesday–Saturday for takeaway throughout Sydney's lockdown.
Grabbing everyone's attention with one shiny promise, then delivering something else as well: if you've ever watched Black Mirror, then you've seen that exact situation play out several times among its many tech nightmares. When the dystopian saga's seventh season arrives, that setup just might apply to the show itself, too. A sequel episode to season four's Star Trek-riffing USS Callister episode has long been promised, but a follow-up to choose-your-own-adventure movie Black Mirror: Bandersnatch also appears to be part of the six-instalment return. Black Mirror season seven now has a trailer, and Bandersnatch's Will Poulter (The Bear) and Asim Chaudhry (Industry) are part of it. The next chapter in Charlie Brooker's can't-look-away take on how humanity's use of gadgets and innovations can go devastatingly wrong also has an official release date. In excellent news, you'll be plugging in soon, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The new episodes will drop two years after 2023's sixth season, which is a short gap in Black Mirror terms given that there was a four-year wait after season five. Season seven's batch of Black Mirror episodes is also bigger than the past two seasons, serving up six instalments — which only season three and four have done in the past. As teased by the trailer, the show's seventh season has artificial intelligence in its focus — and everything from a black-and-white realm and wearable tech to Peter Capaldi (Criminal Record) chatting about expanding minds on offer along the way. From USS Callister, Cristin Milioti (The Penguin), Jimmi Simpson (Pachinko), Billy Magnussen (The Franchise), Milanka Brooks (The Windsors), Osy Ikhile (All American) and Paul G Raymond (Deadpool & Wolverine) are all back. Across the rest of the season, the cast also includes Awkwafina (Jackpot!), Emma Corrin (Nosferatu), Rashida Jones (Sunny), Chris O'Dowd (The Big Door Prize), Issa Rae (American Fiction), Michele Austin (Hard Truths), Tracee Ellis Ross (Candy Cane Lane), Harriet Walter (Silo), Patsy Ferran (Mickey 17), Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers) and more. And if you're wondering whether Brooker took any inspiration from his headline speaker gig at the first-ever SXSW Sydney in 2023, you'll need to watch the new season to find out. Chatting with Netflix, he has promised "a mix of genres and styles". Also "they're all sci-fi stories — there's definitely some horrifying things that occur, but maybe not in an overt horror-movie way. There's definitely some disturbing content in it." Check out the trailer for Black Mirror season seven below: Black Mirror season seven will stream via Netflix from Thursday, April 10, 2025. Read our review of season six, and our interview with Charlie Brooker.
In the almost two decades that Gelato Messina has been in business, over 4000 special flavours have made their way through its gelato cabinets around the country. Yes, that's a lot of frosty and creamy scoops. To celebrate some of these oldies but goodies, the chain brings a selection of these flavours back every now and then — and, sometimes, it busts out its entire top 40 greatest hits. That's happening again between Monday, July 26–Sunday, August 1, which is when lucky Sydneysiders, Melburnians and Brisbanites will be able to treat themselves to an entire freezer-full of limited-edition gelato flavours. While, in the past, the greatest hits specials have been a buy-in-shop-only deal, the chain went with preordered tubs in 2020 — so no one had to worry about long queues and empty cabinets — and it's doing the same thing again this year. Gelato fiends can preorder 500-millilitre tubs of the 40 flavours from Monday, July 26. You'll then need to pick them up from Sydney's Rosebery, Tramsheds, Bondi, Darlinghurst, Parramatta and Brighton Le Sands stores; Melbourne's Fitzroy an East Brunswick stores; and Brisbane's South Brisbane store between Friday, July 30–Sunday, August 1. Individual tubs can be filled with just one flavour and will set you back $16, or you can get three for $45, six for $85, nine for $125 or — if you have the freezer space — 20 for $260. Wondering which flavours will be available? This time around, Messina hasn't announced which faves are making a comeback just yet. But, you can likely expect the beloved Jon Snow (white chocolate gelato with dark chocolate mud cake and almond praline), Fairy Bread (toast and butter gelato with 100s & 1000s), Mango Pancake (mango gelato with vanilla cream and pancake crunch), Old Gregg (Baileys and butterscotch sauce) and Robert Brownie Jnr (milk chocolate gelato, chocolate brownie and chocolate fudge sauce) to return in tub form — and hopefully everything from super duper dulce de leche and pavlova to finger bun and Oreogasm, too, if the flavours available in previous years are any guide. Gelato Messina's Greatest Hits will be available to preorder on Monday, July 26 with pick up between Friday, July 30–Sunday, August 1 from Sydney's Rosebery, Tramsheds, Bondi, Darlinghurst, Parramatta and Brighton Le Sands stores; Melbourne's Fitzroy an East Brunswick stores; and Brisbane's South Brisbane store.
Sydney CBD's George Street is currently undergoing developments to extend its car-free zone, which will see the vehicle-free area spread across its entire run between Town Hall and Railway Square. The first new pedestrian zone since the $43.5 million project begun has now been unveiled, with a new area between Bathurst and Goulburn streets now open to the public. Under the multimillion-dollar City of Sydney plan, George Street will become a pedestrian-friendly boulevard, with wider granite footpaths replacing car lanes, new street furniture installed, more trees planted, improvements to intersections and added spaces for outdoor dining. The project will ultimately see more than 9000-square-metres of new public space added to the bustling inner-city street. The remainder of the project is currently under way, with work at the Goulburn Street intersection and a transformation of George Street between Goulborn Street and Rawson Place slated to be finished early next year. [caption id="attachment_808419" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artist render of George Street between Hay Street and Rawson Place[/caption] It's the latest change for the bustling street in the heart of the city, which has undergone quite an evolution already over the past decade — including the installation of the infamous new light rail. The City of Sydney and local business owners are hoping that the proposed changes will help revitalise the area. Sydney's lockout laws saw the closure of venues like Hudson Ballroom around George Street, and the hardships that venue owners were already facing were only compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. "This part of town has always been a bustling entertainment hub that attracted a diverse demographic looking to eat, drink and come together at a range of venues, but due to COVID, we saw business slump overnight," director of operations for the owners of the Albion Hotel, David Highet said when the project was first announced in April. "When we cautiously return to the city while seeking to maintain physical distancing, wider footpaths and more space for pedestrians are critical," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore, announcing the opening of the new stretch between Bathurst and Goulburn streets. "Creating this space opens new opportunities for businesses, and, crucially, provides places for people to gather and get around safely." For more information about the car-free boulevard along George Street head to the City of Sydney website.
My, my, Alexandria certainly is becoming quite the foodie hotspot. It seems now the locals here are spoilt for choice, much like their fellow inner-westies over in Marrickville. Keeping in harmony with Alexandria's business district and concrete jungle theme, the Copper Mill is a spacious and stylish spot, perfect for the locals to grab a coffee or some lunch to escape the suburban mayhem. Formerly serving at Chippendale cafe, Shortlist, Jake Thomas, Hugh Piper and Rebecca Keane have continued with their impressive set-ups and effortless appeal, with no small detail being overlooked. Walls are painted in grey slate and exposed brick and copper pipes are a reflection of the industrial area. The raw and casual appeal is maintained with wooden tables and benches that are adorned with help-yourself cutlery buckets and Young Henry flagons of water. Window seats are available too, where you can watch the daily thrum of dog walkers and fitness gurus en route to Sydney Park. These coffee pros are pouring a not-too bad Human Canonball, roasted by Golden Cobra ($3.50), as well as a rotating single origin from Moccamaster ($3.50). The real star of the show though is the simple, healthy, rustic menu that is served up quick smart from the open kitchen. Their culinary skills do not go amiss here: a sure-fire Peruvian influence evident with a bacon and egg roll spiced up with pork chicharron, egg, kumera, salsa criolla and lemon mayo ($10). Furthermore to this latino swinging, the ancient Peruvian grain quinoa is puffed up in a cereal topped with dates, coconut flakes, yoghurt and a sweet pear and cardamom milk ($9.50). More straightforward options such as sourdough toast, come courtesy of Brickfields bakery — thick slices with homemade jam ($4.50) are classic winners. The strength of the fare comes at lunchtime, when humble salads are assembled with fresh ingredients and unusual dressings drizzled over to complete the package. Beet-cured salmon with garden peas, quinoa, cherry tomatoes ($15) and chilli yoghurt is a beseeching option; but the real chart-topper is a delicious plate of broadbeans, chorizo and a sunnyside egg, with parsley and lemon zest adding a zing and a side of sourdough balancing it all out ($13). So tasty is this bread in fact, that it's also hard to overlook the daily sandwiches ($9). Who doesn't love Christmas ham, especially when gruyere cheese and an eggplant pickle are its companions? Speaking of eggplant pickle — let's hope this homemade condiment gets kept on rotation. Decidedly the champion in a vegetarian sarnie, it perfectly complements the roast cauliflower, butter lettuce and feta cheese. But we'd like a tad more on our sarnie please — actually no, the whole jar to lick clean the contents. Sweet-tooths will be pleased to see a small array of pastries on offer, otherwise an iced chocolate ($5) or a coconut hot choccie ($4.50) will seal the deal. The Copper Mill is offering up decent food and coffee, service with a smile, and an ideal opportunity for locals to avoid chaotic King Street or the exhausting queues at the Grounds.
If a horror movie sports a killer premise, more films are always likely to follow. So, when A Quiet Place gifted cinemas just that back in 2018, giving it a sequel and then a spinoff didn't come as a surprise. Neither does the latest news about this hit saga: after 2020's A Quiet Place Part II and 2024 prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, A Quiet Place Part III has officially been locked in. You'll be watching the next flick about trying to survive post-apocalyptic times by being as silent as possible — because the extra-terrestrials that've invaded the earth get brutal when they hear a noise — in 2027. And, you'll be viewing a film with John Krasinski (IF) behind the lens again. The actor-turned-director helmed both the OG A Quiet Place and Part II, and is returning for Part III after Michael Sarnoski (Pig) did the honours on Day One. So far, all that's known about A Quiet Place Part III is a release date — Thursday, July 8, 2027 Down Under — and that Krasinski is directing, writing and producing, as per Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. So, just what the narrative will chart and which characters will be the focus haven't yet been revealed. Also unknown so far: if there'll be any familiar faces, including whether Emily Blunt (The Fall Guy), Millicent Simmonds (Wonderstruck) and Noah Jupe (Lady in the Lake) will be back. So far, after life as we know it ended thanks to aliens that leap upon any and every sound, audiences have already seen what happened on day 89, days 471–7 and, in a couple of different ways, on the day that started it all. Add when A Quiet Place Part III is set to the list of details that haven't yet been advised, however. When the first A Quiet Place made its way to the big screen, it did excellent things with its mostly dialogue-free premise and gave films about otherworldly attackers a creative spin, quickly proving a box-office sensation as a result. Again, more movies building upon that success was to be expected. So are more sequels now, given that we're living in busy horror franchise times — as 28 Years Later, Final Destination Bloodlines, I Know What You Did Last Summer and M3GAN 2.0 can help attest in 2025 so far, and as Black Phone 2, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, The Conjuring: Last Rites and The Strangers: Chapter 2 are also set to demonstrate this year. There's obviously no trailer for Quiet Place Part III yet, but check out the trailers for A Quiet Place, A Quiet Place Part II and A Quiet Place: Day One below: A Quiet Place Part III is set to release on Thursday, July 8, 2027 Down Under. Read our reviews of A Quiet Place, A Quiet Place Part II and A Quiet Place: Day One. Via Variety / The Hollywood Reporter.
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life but want to switch it up from your usual beachside getaway, head to one of Australia's most stunning patches of river country and reconnect with nature — the Murray Region. Boasting picturesque landscapes, serene waterways and abundant wildlife, it's an ideal destination for some rejuvenation. Journey through some of the most beautiful spots in the state — exploring stunning gardens and reserves, cruising along the river, or simply relaxing in some seriously serene surroundings. Together with Destination NSW, we've compiled this guide to ensure you get the absolute most out of your stay. It's time to hit the road and explore our beautiful river country. CIRCA 1928 DAY SPA AND HOTEL Looking for some small-town charm to kickstart your weekend rejuvenation? Albury is the ideal regional hub for you — managing to perfectly balance the old school and trendy. The best example of this is the CIRCA 1928 Art Hotel, sitting pretty in the centre of town. What's more, you and a date (or mate) can enjoy a night here while saving some pennies. At this spot, you'll be greeted with luxe eclectic interiors, considered design features and a night-cap delivered straight to your door — plus in-suite brekkie and 20% off at the renowned onsite spa. Combining Indonesian techniques with Australian-made botanical products, the treatments here will have you blissed out in moments. [caption id="attachment_893890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] MURRAY RIVER CANOE TRAILS If you're looking for a bit more adventure, why not cruise down the flowing Murray River on a scenic canoe trail? There are four trails to pick from in the neighbouring Murray Valley National Park and Barmah National Park. All have easy water access and offer something special for every paddler. Go for a quick 30-minute trip from Barmah Lakes to Rices Bridge; or, opt for a lengthier 3.5-hour canoe from Picnic Point to Barmah Lakes, stopping for a picnic on the way at the scenic Swifts Creek campground. [caption id="attachment_893966" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wendy McDonald[/caption] MURRAY DARLING SCENIC FLIGHT Get a new perspective and fly high above the Southern Murray Darling Basin for a truly unforgettable experience. Soar above Yanga National Park and the vibrant Gayini wetlands or gaze in awe over the swirling hues of the desert meeting the water with Murray Darling Scenic Flights. Embrace the stunning vistas of the River Country, including red gum forests and ancient desert lakes. You'll also catch a glimpse of the glowing colours of nearby Lake Tyrrell. Flights depart from Swan Hill, Echuca, Deniliquin and Kerang airports. [caption id="attachment_894063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] STAY ON THE EMMYLOU PADDLESTEAMER Three nights atop the river on a delightful slice of local history — that's what you'll get if you book this all-inclusive trip for two. Immersed in the riverscape, you'll be relaxing as you float on the Emmylou. Check in to your air-conditioned queen suite when you board your vessel and get ready to cruise down the Murray in the charming paddlesteamer. Sip wine and beers and savour regionally inspired meals prepared by your onboard chef. Enjoy all this, plus barbecues under the stars, stop-offs at riverside wineries and late-night campfires while you listen to the local Aussie wildlife. [caption id="attachment_894605" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Albury Wodonga[/caption] ALBURY BOTANIC GARDENS If you want a healthy dose of serenity and history, be sure to visit the Albury Botanic Gardens during your Murray explorations. Established in 1877, the gardens have been a highlight of the charming regional town for well over a century. Here, you're free to take a self-guided stroll along the Heritage Walk, picking up some of the local history. Or, simply get lost in the grounds, immersing yourself in more than 1000 plant species — and even an extremely rare rainforest collection. [caption id="attachment_894067" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] MUNGO WALK THE WALLS OF CHINA TOUR Embrace the natural landscape and rich cultural heritage of Mungo National Park with an expert First Nations guide. Explore the ancient lakebeds and the spot where some of modern humanity's oldest remains were found, before embarking on the Walls of China Tour, which will take you on a journey back in time through the ancient sites that hold over 40,000 years of Aboriginal history. There is much to learn from this immensely significant area's Traditional Owners. Over two hours, you'll hear of the secrets of the expansive Willandra Lakes region, with plenty of time to photograph the Mars-like landscape — which formed naturally with the movement of wind and water. You can only visit the awe-inspiring Walls of China via a guided tour. [caption id="attachment_893892" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] STAY ON THE RIVER OF ISLANDS HOUSEBOAT If you prefer to rejuvenate with absolute alone time, opt for a stay on the River of Islands, a drive-yourself houseboat that'll have you exploring the gorgeous Murray River at your own pace. The boat sleeps seven people across three bedrooms, with a shady deck for lazing around and a rooftop (boat-top?) hammock for enjoying the afternoon sun. Located between Mulwala and Corowa, the simply stunning River of Islands docks at the perfect spot to explore the river's wildlife and sweeping gums. Relax and recharge by soaking in your vista on a sunset swim, kayaking around your floating home, or by dropping a line. Or simply sit back and enjoy the view. [caption id="attachment_894060" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] WAGIRRA TRAIL AND YINDYAMARRA SCULPTURE WALK Along the Murray River pathway, in West Albury, you'll find a unique cultural experience. The Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is a peaceful and scenic route through soaring red gums and First Nations art pieces. The walk is along the Wagirra Trail, a 15-kilometre return journey with plenty of picturesque spots to take a picnic break and really soak up the scenery. Between Kremur Street and the Wonga Wetlands, the trail tells a series of First Nations stories with 15 sculptures made by contemporary Aboriginal artists. There's plenty of info along the way, so you'll be learning about the artistic processes and fascinating local Indigenous history while you wander. [caption id="attachment_894607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Murray River Council[/caption] MOAMA BOTANIC GARDENS Located in the charming riverside sister towns of Moama and Echuca, you will find the beautiful Moama Botanic Gardens. A peaceful stroll through these gardens is the ideal spot for a rejuvenating hit of nature. While you're soaking up our natural world, wander through Indigenous plantings, learning of our beautifully unique arid and semi-arid Australian landscapes. After your explorations, sit back and relax in a shady spot — and don't forget a loaded picnic basket. Check out where to stock up on local supplies using our food guide to the region. For more ways to enjoy the Murray region, check out our food and drink guide or history and culture guide. To start planning your rejuvenating trip to the Murray region with the exclusive packages curated by CP's editors, head to the website. Top images: Destination NSW (first, Lake Mulwala; third, Emmylou Paddlesteamer; fourth, Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk); Visit Albury Wodonga (second and fifth, Albury Botanic Gardens).
What's better: free KFC, or bites to eat other than chicken being double-breaded and fried just like the Colonel's finest? The answer: a place that does both. Australia is getting one, albeit temporarily and only in Sydney. But hit up The Original Crispery, as the two-day-only world-first pop-up is called, and you'll nab a burger without spending a cent — and also get the chance to enjoy an entire menu that's been given the KFC treatment. Have you always thought that vegetables such as broccolini and asparagus would taste better if they were coated and fried just like KFC chicken? Cheesecake, too? Peanut butter and jam sandwiches? They're some of the items on the menu at The Original Crispery — and, like the burgs, they're also free. The place: 118 Crown Street, Darlinghurst. The dates and times: 10am–7pm on Friday, May 17 and 10am–5pm on Saturday, May 18. Everyone who drops by will get one free original crispy burger and one other free item from the menu, as suitably "crispified" as the fast-food chain is calling it. Why? Whenever a pop-up like this happens, it's always to promote something. This time, the brand is spreading the word about its permanent new original crispy burger series being added to the menu at KFCs Australia-wide, where every burger fillet is double-breaded. It hits outlets on Tuesday, May 14. As for what else is on offer at The Original Crispery, you'll have to show up to find out. Until then, dreaming up a list of other foodstuffs that KFC can crisp up will pass the time and make you hungry. And yes, this is the latest pop-up from a brand that's done 11-course fine-dining degustations, Peking Duk-led festivals, a nightclub, weddings, cocktails, ugly Christmas sweaters for humans and pets alike, free international trips, and a soothing playlist of chicken frying and gravy simmering — which is genuinely relaxing. KFC's Original Crispery will pop up from 10am–7pm on Friday, May 17 and 10am–5pm on Saturday, May 18 at 118 Crown Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney. Head to the brand's website and Facebook page for more details.
Dishing up desserts across Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland the Australian Capital Territory, Gelato Messina obviously specialises in frosty sweet treats. But, because the chain has amassed quite the following, it also has a range of merchandise. Earlier this year, for instance, you could nab one of its gelato-scented candles (and presumably give yourself a constant craving for a few scoops). Now, you can also grab yourself an item of clothing decked out with a picture of its towering ice cream cones. Messina's new 2020 merch line is now available to purchase, spanning black and grey hoodies, grey and navy sweatshirts, and t-shirts in white, navy, rust (aka a red-orange colour) and black. Each has an image of gelato on the front or back — with those pics varying between different styles of clothing and different colours. After releasing a selection of flavours inspired by fashion brands back in October, all to celebrate Incu's 18th birthday, Messina has teamed back up with the retailer on its new threads. It's also showcasing the work of artist Ella Grace, who specialises in detailed watercolour paintings and illustrations — as you'll see from the images of gelato on Messina's merch. Yep, expect it to make you mighty hungry. For those keen on wearing gelato-adorned items while eating gelato, you'll pay $45 for a t-shirt, $65 for a sweatshirt and $75 for a hoodie. All garments are unisex, and made from 100-percent cotton — and they ship Australia-wide. For tiny dessert fiends, Messina's online store also has onesies for babies — because you're never too young to love ice cream. And, you can grab Messina caps with its logo and socks with its wallpaper print as well. For more information about Gelato Messina's merchandise — and to make a purchase — head to its website.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. ALI & AVA All plot, all the time: that's how some filmmakers craft movies. Every scene leads to the next, then to the next and so on, connecting the story dots so that event A plus event B (plus event C, event D, event E and more) neatly equals wherever the narrative eventually ends up. Clio Barnard is not one of those writers or directors. Every scene always leads to the next in every film that tells any tale, no matter who's spinning it, but much of what happens in the Dark River and The Selfish Giant helmer's movies doesn't change, shift or drive the plot at all. Indeed, her features often have storylines that seem straightforward, as the tender and tremendous Ali & Ava does. But that uncomplicated appearance — including here, where a man and a woman meet, sparks fly, but complications arise — couldn't be more deceptive. In Ali & Ava, that man and woman are indeed Ali (Adeel Akhtar, Killing Eve) and Ava (Claire Rushbrook, Ammonite), both residents of Bradford in Barnard's native West Yorkshire. He's a working-class landlord — a kind and affable one, noticeably — from a British Pakistani family, and was once an EDM DJ. She's an Irish-born teacher's assistant at the school where one of Ali's tenants' children attends. Frequently, he's on drop-off and pick-up duty, because he is that helpful to his renters. So, when the skies open one day during his school run, Ali offers Ava a ride home rather than seeing her walk to the bus in the pouring rain. They chat, click, laugh, bond over a shared passion for music and slowly let their guards down. But what would a romance be, especially an on-screen one, if the path to love truly was effortlessly smooth? With a lyrical social-realist bent that'd do Ken Loach, living patron saint of British lyrical social-realist filmmaking, proud — see: Loach's I, Daniel Blake and Sorry We Missed You for his two most recent examples — Barnard unpacks everything that roughs up Ali and Ava's tentative courtship. But there's another English director who springs to mind, too, thanks to the way that Ali & Ava can turn from poignant to portentous in a second: This Is England and The Virtues' Shane Meadows. His work finds bliss and joy in ordinary, everyday moments, and also violence and menace as well. One can become the other so quickly that, if it didn't all feel so genuine and authentic, a case of whiplash might be the end result. All three filmmakers possess a commitment to detailing lives that aren't typically fodder for celluloid dreams; all three, including Barnard with The Selfish Giant and now Ali & Ava, make features in the vein that are potent, perceptive, dripping with empathy and as emotionally raw as films come. Ali, friend to everyone, is troubled by more than just regret about no longer hitting the decks. He has a wife, Runa (Ellora Torchia, Midsommar), who no longer loves him or wants to be with him. But he's too proud to tell his family, so they still live together while she keeps studying. That brings judgement his way, with his sister Usma (Krupa Pattani, Ron's Gone Wrong) vocal in her disapproval about his growing closeness with Ava. It makes Ava apprehensive as well, unsurprisingly. She already has enough of her own worries as it is, caring for her five kids — some of which have had kids of their own — as a single mother. One, her son Callum (Shaun Thomas, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children), remains affected by his father's death a year earlier, and also his parents' breakup before that. He's far from welcoming to Ali as a result, terrifyingly so, hating even the idea of him as his mother's potential friend. Read our full review. AFTER BLUE (DIRTY PARADISE) In his 2017 feature debut, French writer/director Bertrand Mandico took to the sea, following five teens who were punished for a crime by being sent to a mysterious island. Sensual and lurid at every turn, The Wild Boys was never as straightforward as any description might intimate, however — and it proved both a tempest of influences as varied as Jean Cocteau, John Carpenter and David Lynch, and an onslaught of surreal and subversive experimentation several times over. Much of the same traits shine through in the filmmaker's second feature After Blue (Dirty Paradise), including an erotic tone that's even more pivotal than the movie's narrative. Mandico makes features about bodies and flesh, about landscapes filled with the odd and alluring, and where feeling like you've tumbled into a dream most wonderful and strange is the instant response. Tinted pink, teeming with glitter, scored by synth, as psychedelic as bathing in acid and gleefully queer, the fantastical realm that fills After Blue's frames is the titular planet, where humanity have fled after ruining earth. As teenager Roxy (debutant Paula-Luna Breitenfelder), who is nicknamed Toxic by her peers, tells the camera, only ovary-bearers can survive here — with men dying out thanks to their hair growing internally. In this brave new world, nationalities cling together in sparse communities, with roving around frowned upon. But that's what Roxy and her hairdresser mother Zora (Elina Löwensohn, Mandico's frequent star) are forced to do when the former meets and saves a criminal called Kate Bush (Agata Buzek, High Life), who she finds buried in sand, and are then tasked by their fellow French denizens with tracking her down and dispensing with her to fix that mistake. If Dune met The Love Witch, the resulting film still wouldn't be as seductive, kaleidoscopic and phantasmagorical as After Blue — a picture that, as The Wild Boys also proved, has to be seen to be truly understood. Obviously, that's accurate of every movie; again, though, Mandico couldn't be more disinterested in making features that can be neatly summarised or unpacked. He isn't fond of holding back, either, and so After Blue dives straight into its maximalist adventure quest, ramping every sight, sound and performance up to levels that'd do This Is Spinal Tap proud. His latest release isn't a mockumentary, but an exercise in excess over and over that's turned up far past 11. Guns are named after designer brands like Gucci and Chanel; Kate Bush sports a third eye between her legs that sparks stirrings in Roxy; pleasure bots are the only masculine presence sighted, and even then they're forbidden; cigarettes wriggle like insects; and goo drips and oozes whenever it can, for instance. As well as pre-empting the current Stranger Things-inspired Kate Bush mania by almost a year (After Blue first premiered at the Locarno Film Festival in August 2021), Mandico doesn't make brief features. With a sizeable array of shorts to his name dating back to 1998's Le cavalier bleu, he seizes his opportunities when he's playing with long-form flicks. That gives After Blue more than two hours to luxuriate in its look, sound and vibe — a 70s-meets-80s sci-fi/western heaven — but also makes its narrative feel slight. Of course, the tale itself isn't the main attraction, but the style-over-story focus also doesn't scuttle into the background. But whenever the plot lags or zips by, aka Mandico's two pacing struggles, tentacles slide into view, nipples shoot metallic balls, a line of dialogue becomes a hilariously absurd gift, and either cinematographer Pascale Granel (Simple Passion) or composer Pierre Desprats (Olga), or both, deliver a piece of sound and/or vision that's trippy and sublime. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24 and March 31; April 7, April 14, April 21 and April 28; and May 5, May 12, May 19 and May 26; and June 2, June 9, June 16 and June 23. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as The Batman, Blind Ambition, Bergman Island, Wash My Soul in the River's Flow, The Souvenir: Part II, Dog, Anonymous Club, X, River, Nowhere Special, RRR, Morbius, The Duke, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Fantastic Beasts and the Secrets of Dumbledore, Ambulance, Memoria, The Lost City, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Happening, The Good Boss, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, The Northman, Ithaka, After Yang, Downton Abbey: A New Era, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, Petite Maman, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Firestarter, Operation Mincemeat, To Chiara, This Much I Know to Be True, The Innocents, Top Gun: Maverick, The Bob's Burgers Movie, Ablaze, Hatching, Mothering Sunday, Jurassic World Dominion, A Hero, Benediction, Lightyear, Men, Elvis, Lost Illusions and Nude Tuesday.
Just over an hour's drive south of Sydney, Wollongong thrums with an element of city bustle. But all that drains aways once you enter the grounds of the Wollongong Botanic Garden. The peaceful rainforest-like oasis has semi-arid succulents and delicate rose gardens that have been carefully cultivated for 50 years. Horticultural enthusiasts can spend hours exploring the flora — some local to the Illawara and with many more from as far as Japan, Africa and North America. It all sits at the foot of the escarpment under the watchful gaze of Mount Keira. You can head to the summit lookout for views across the city and Wollongong's glistening coastline, too. Image: Wollongong Botanic Garden
Maybe it's the twilight glow. Perhaps it's the stars twinkling above. Or, it could be the cooling breeze, the picnic blankets and beanbags as far as the eye can see, and just seeing a movie grace a giant screen with a leafy backdrop. When the weather is warm enough Australia-wide, a trip to the cinema just seems to shine brighter when it's outdoors. That's Sunset Cinema's whole angle, in fact, and it's returning for another season across the east coast. Over the summer of 2022–23 — and into autumn, too — this excuse to head to the flicks in the open air has seven stops on its itinerary: one in Canberra, three in New South Wales, two in Victoria and one in Queensland. In each, movie buffs can look forward to a lineup of new and classic titles, and a setup perfect for cosy date nights or an easy group hangs outdoors. NSW's run gets started on Friday, December 9 at St Ives Showgrounds, screening through till Saturday, January 28 with a lineup that includes box-office behemoths Top Gun: Maverick and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Disney's Strange World, Aussie drama Blueback and Olivia Wilde's Don't Worry Darling. Also on the bill: a heap of festive flicks leading into Christmas, such as Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas; and three dog-focused films in January, spanning Marley & Me, Scooby-Doo and 101 Dalmatians. Sunset Cinema will also head to North Sydney Oval from Wednesday, January 11—Saturday, April 1, featuring the likes of 2022 hits The Menu and Everything Everywhere All At Once, Steven Spielberg's latest The Fabelmans, Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody, throwbacks such as There's Something About Mary and Crazy Stupid Love, and more. And, at the Wollongong Botanic Garden from Thursday, December 15–Saturday, March 11, the season covers many of the aforementioned titles — the Christmas lineup included — and also Mean Girls, Freaky Friday and The Parent Trap as part of a Lohan Fest. In Victoria, Mt Martha is first on the agenda, with Sunset Cinema hitting The Briars from Wednesday, December 21—Friday, January 20. Those festive films get a run here, too, as do classics Dirty Dancing and The Princess Bride — and many of the new titles showing at other venues. Melburnians don't miss out, however, thanks to a new St Kilda run from Friday, February 1—Saturday, March 4 at St Kilda Botanical Gardens. The lineup for that spot hasn't yet been revealed. And, in Brisbane, mark April in your diaries — with the exact dates, venue and program to be announced. At all stops around the country, BYO picnics are encouraged here, but the event is fully licensed, so alcohol can only be purchased onsite. Didn't pack enough snacks? There'll be hot food options, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn. SUNSET CINEMA 2022–23 DATES: Canberra, ACT: Thursday, November 24—Saturday, February 25 at Australian National Botanic Gardens St Ives, NSW: Friday, December 9—Saturday, January 28 at St Ives Showgrounds Wollongong, NSW: Thursday, December 15–Saturday, March 11 at Wollongong Botanic Garden North Sydney, NSW: Wednesday, January 11—Saturday, April 1 at North Sydney Oval Mt Martha, VIC: Wednesday, December 21—Friday, January 20 at The Briars, Mt Martha St Kilda, VIC: Friday, February 1—Saturday, March 4 at St Kilda Botanical Gardens Brisbane, QLD — from April 2023, exact dates and venue TBC Sunset Cinema's 2022–23 season runs at various venues around the country from November 2022. Head to the Sunset Cinema website for further details.
The next time you watch two of Disney's best-loved animated hits, you won't be belting out "it's the circle of life" and "let it go" (or trying to resist the urge to sing along while sitting in a crowded cinema). When The Lion King Reo Maori and Frozen Reo Maori hit theatres in Australia and New Zealand in 2022, they'll still include everything that's made audiences adore both movies over the years — and both films will be dubbed in te reo Māori as well. The Mouse House has announced that it's creating and releasing new Māori-language versions of The Lion King and Frozen in conjunction with NZ company Matewa Media, after Moana Reo Māori proved a big hit. Producers Chelsea Winstanley (Jojo Rabbit) and Tweedie Waititi (Moana Reo Māori, Rūrangi) are behind the new releases, and have started work on giving the two Oscar-winning flicks a new voice. "It was always our dream to dub more Disney films that our tāmariki love into te reo Māori. We are extremely thrilled to continue this journey with The Walt Disney Company — it clearly demonstrates their commitment as a company to diversity and inclusion," said Winstanley. It might seem like a straightforward change, but the importance of giving audiences access to beloved tales in different languages — and, for New Zealanders, in the country's Indigenous language — really can't be underestimated. And, it's hardly common practice, but Moana and now The Lion King and Frozen are leading the charge. Viewers will be able to check out the results in June and September 2022, with The Lion King Reo Maori releasing first to commemorate Matariki (Māori New Year) and Frozen Reo Maori hitting cinemas around Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week. Presumably, the films will also then head to Disney+ — which is where you can stream Moana Reo Māori right now. Trailers for The Lion King Reo Maori and Frozen Reo Maori don't yet exist, understandably, but you can check out a video for Moana Reo Māori below instead: The Lion King Reo Maori will hit cinemas in June 2022, and Frozen Reo Maori will follow in September 2022 — we'll update you with exact dates when they're announced.
It has been more than two decades since James Cameron, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet recreated one of the deadliest ship disasters in modern history. You know the one. Titanic also launched a lifetime of folks standing at the bow of boats and exclaiming "I'm the king of the world!", and made the world endure a Celine Dion song that, as the lyrics promised, would go on. As well as snagging a huge bag of Oscars and big, big bucks at the box office, the film did something else: reignite public fascination with the 1912 sinking. If you've ever watched and wondered what it'd be like to see the real thing, then wonder no more — because you can become a 'citizen scientist' on a new series of underwater expeditions to the famed wreck. Commencing in 2021, underwater exploration company Ocean Gate Expeditions will be taking fascinated seafarers down to the famous ship on ten-day journeys. They'll dive almost four kilometres deep into the North Atlantic Ocean in a titanium and carbon fibre submersible — accompanied by experts, naturally — to peer through the vessel that went down on its maiden voyage, taking more than 1500 people with it. This isn't a tourist trip, however. Ocean Gate is planning six missions as part of an overall Titanic survey expedition, and anyone who'd like to go along will need to apply. If you're successful, you'll be trained a mission specialist — and you'll be asked to help document the current state of the sunken passenger liner, including via laser scans and 4K video that will be combined with high-resolution images to make a 3D virtual model of the ship. Primarily departing from the coast of Newfoundland in Canada from May–July 2021, with more missions planned in 2022 as well, these undersea trips don't come cheap — even though they're motivated by scientific and record-keeping aims. You'll need a cool US$125,000 per person to make the voyage, which includes one submersible dive to the ship. Of course, it's hardly surprising that plunging deep into both the ocean's depths to visit a famed wreck costs a massive stack of cash and then some. This isn't the first time tours have been offered — indeed, presumably using some of the loot his romantic drama pulled in, James Cameron has made the journey multiple times — but only a small number of people have seen site in person since it was first discovered in 1984. "More people summit Everest in a day than have ever seen the Titanic," says Ocean Gate Expeditions president Stockton Rush. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH_9Q3Z_xok Top image: NOAA/Institute for Exploration/University of Rhode Island via Wikimedia Commons.
Following the announcement of this year's theme for the Sydney Writers' Festival, Concrete Playground caught up with the festival's artistic director, Chip Rolley. Texan-born Rolley, 47, reveals his personal take on the 2012 theme: the fine line between what is public and private. Read what Rolley as to say about the question of privacy - "the question of our time" - and start getting amped for the festival, which kicks off May 14. Concrete Playground (CP): This year's SWF focuses on the line between public and private matters. Why do you think that this topic is relevant to modern readers and writers? Chip Rolley (CR): I'll never forget when the ex-News of the World journo Paul McMullan told the UK Leveson Inquiry into the media, "Privacy is for paedos." The audacity of it: if you're concerned about privacy, you must have something to hide. That crystallised for me the question of where we draw the line between public and private. The sense that that line is vanishing has been building for years. Not just because of UK scandal rags, or even the increased state security apparatus. But with social media we post things about ourselves that in previous times we might not have even told our loved ones. It seems to me it's the question of our time. CP: How does this issue affect the artistic community? CR: It turns out the question we are all asking ourselves now is one that writers have been asking themselves for years. Any person who writes a biography or a memoir asks themselves this question. How much do I reveal – about myself or family members? How far do I go into the personal life of the public figure I'm writing about? Fiction writers, who often rework the stuff of life into their novels wrestle with this as well. Sydney Writers' Festival seemed to me a natural opportunity to explore this issue and to look at Australia's and the world's writing through this prism. CP: Can the breaking down of the public/private barrier be beneficial to readers? Does this create a more authentic author-to-reader experience? CR: I don't know about "more authentic". There will always be an art to writing – to rendering life and experience through words. But those memoirs that take a really liberal approach to the question (have a look at Joshua Cody's [sic]) can often be invigorating as a result – but only if done well… CP: How has this affected the accessibility of literature? CR: In one sense the Internet and social media have made all of us writers. We are all exploring these issues – deciding what to reveal and what to keep to ourselves. Perhaps that will lead to a wider understanding of writing or a greater appreciation of art in doing it well. CP: Some forms of writing (autobiography, memoir, etc.) are distinctly personal. How do you expect works and authors who work in these genres to contribute to the festival? CR: We explore myriad genres every year and this year is no different. There are some events that directly address the theme, such as "You Must Have Something To Hide" (which looks like it will sell out). Two other big events – "The Feminist Supremacy?" and "Why Get Married When You Could Be Happy?" – take the temperature of the two great social movements of the past 40 years (the women's movement and the gay liberation movement) – both of which relied on the transformative idea that the personal is political. But the beauty of the theme is that it will pulse through all the events, whether they directly address this issue or not. It will percolate through conversations as people spill in and out of the venues and it will emerge in ways we don't even yet see. CP: Do you think it is possible to be a writer, yet maintain your privacy? CR: I do think it's possible, if only to save your material for a rainy day…
It has been said that describing Burning Man Festival to a person who has never been is like trying to explain what a particular colour looks like to a person who is blind. But perhaps this is no longer the case. Aerial footage has been released of the recent 2013 Festival, taken from a drone. Held two weeks ago, Burning Man was captured on camera by San Franciscan filmmaker Eddie Codel. Taken from a DJI Phantom Quadrocopter — a pilotless mini-aircraft with four propellers — fitted with a GoPro camera, the impressive HD footage is currently one of the best and fastest available introductions to the famous festival. This 360-degree tour pans slowly over the festival during the daytime, functioning to communicate a snapshot of the immense size and sparsity of the constructed city. It reveals close detail of the installations and artworks set up in the desert and at times comes very close to people. Held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, Burning Man draws in a crowd of approximately 50,000 each year. First established in 1986, the seven-day event welcomes attendees from all over the world, encouraging radical art and self-expression through the construction of a temporary community. The city is built the week before Labor Day, on an ancient lake bed, 100 miles north of Reno. Perhaps it's true that to truly understand Burning Man, one must participate. In the meantime, however, the drone tour certainly gets you very close. https://youtube.com/watch?v=m2ThTb6iffA Via Mashable.
Let's face it: we're a fast-paced, high-stress society — and although we would like life to slow down for a second (or for Internet to go down just for a few days, at least), it's not going to let up. To manage your physical and mental health in this crazy world, UK-based startup Vinaya have created a bracelet that is wholly concerned with tracking your emotional wellbeing. The wearable device — the first of its kind — is the first to measure sleep and fitness, as well as happiness, stress and mindfulness. It even tracks fertility (kind of creepy, we know). The wearable, named Zenta, was 100 percent crowdfunded on Indiegogo in record time this week, raising a whopping $137,191 USD in just 41 hours. The product looks like a more stylish version of a Fitbit, and is available with a sports band ($119 USD) or a leather band ($149 USD). And while you can purchase one now, the bracelets won't ship until mid-2017. Here's how it supposedly works. The biometric sensors track your heart rate, movement and perspiration, as well as respiration, electrical activity and oxygen levels. These patterns will then be cross-referenced with the information (like your calendars, meeting schedules and social media use) from your smartphone — though you only share as much (or as little) as you want. The Zenta app is essentially meant to 'learn' your patterns and determine your normal emotional state, as well as decipher any variations from your norm and indicate what caused those variations. As Zenta learns, the idea is that it will require less input from you and get smarter about shifts in your emotional state. Vinaya is already talking with research institutions, mental health organisations and mindfulness experts to make sense of the Zenta data. We must admit, we're sceptical about where this data will end up — the thought it landing in the hands of advertisers, marketers or Google is a pretty frightening concept. Still, if the device helps bring some sense of calm to the stressed-out masses, we would like to see it in action. Zenta is currently available for purchase through Indiegogo. The estimated shipping date is mid-2017.
May has the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, June boasts the Delta Aquariids and December welcomes the Geminids. In November, however, it's Leonids time. Arriving at the end of spring in Australia and New Zealand, the Leonids may not be quite as well known as some of its counterparts, but it's still a shower worth looking up for. And it's famous for one impressive reason: its spectacular meteor storms. It can feature more than 1000 meteors per hour, but that only occurs around every 33 years — and, sadly, the most recent occurred in 2001. Still, while you won't spy that kind of intense onslaught in 2021, you will still see meteors. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts there'll be around five per hour hurtling across the heavens on average. At its peak, timeanddate.com predicts ten per hour. In good news for those Down Under, the Leonids can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere. Although it runs from Saturday, November 6 until Tuesday, November 30, this year it'll be best detected between Wednesday, November 17 and Thursday, November 18. Like many astronomical shows, catching an eyeful after midnight is recommended (aka when the moon has set and its light will not interfere). Specifically, for the best view, mark the early hours of Thursday, November 18 in your calendar. Named for the constellation of Leo, which is where it appears to radiate from in the sky, the Leonids aren't just renowned for its huge showers approximately three times each century, but also for its place in history. During the storm of 1833, it has been estimated that more than 100,000 meteors streamed across the sky per hour — and, as a result, the Leonids helped play a part in the formulation of the first theory about the origin of meteors, NASA notes. The Leonids stem from the Comet Tempel–Tuttle, which was actually first officially recognised after the famous meteor shower of 1833 — in 1866, in fact. And, if you're wondering why the Leonids' storms only hit every 33 years or so, that's because that's how long it takes for the comet to orbit around the sun. [caption id="attachment_751114" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The peak of the 2009 Leonids meteor shower. Image: Navicore via Wikicommons.[/caption] For your best chances of getting a glimpse, the usual advice applies. Get as far away from bright lights as possible — this could be a good excuse to head out of the city to a clear-skied camping spot — and pray for no clouds. And, given that the Leonids originate from the Leo constellation, that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. To locate Leo, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). The Leonids meteor shower runs between Saturday, November 6 until Tuesday, November 30. Top image: Mike Lewinski via Flickr.
In the ever-dynamic arms race to create Sydney's best sandwich, it's not easy to make a product that sticks out against so much delicious competition. But Chandni and Ankit, the wife-and-husband co-owners of Pyrmont's newly opened Eat Ozzo, have come up with something special. Ask any restauranter: the secret to sandwiches is the bread. So why opt for another crunchy cracked sourdough or doughy milk toast when you can have your sandwich in 48-hour fermented Neopolitan bread instead? It all started with an aha moment on a trip to Italy, where the duo first bit into Neopolitan pizza bread. After months of research into breadmaking, the couple took a secondhand oven to Pyrmont's Pirrama Park to give away sandwiches for free in search of feedback. Once they decided they were onto something, they committed to the idea full time. The Ozzo bread goes through a meticulous preparation process, with 48 hours of hot and cold fermentation to reduce the weight in the bread and improve its impact on gut health. Bread is baked fresh to order, and you'll find a multicultural mix of fillings to choose from. The Porchetta Fiasco, for example, features marinated crispy pork belly, 'nduja, herb gremolata, spicy eggplant and braised greens. While the Bresaola Affair is packed with Korean wagyu bresaola, whipped ricotta, smoked eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers and rocket. All ingredients are sourced from local suppliers, including butter and cream from Pepe Saya, cheese from Marrickville's Vanella and Haberfield's Paesanella and pistachio butter from Gelato Messina. There's nothing fried on the menu, and artificial additives are also avoided. You can opt for breakfast fillings before 11am, with bacon and egg, smashed avo and Persian feta among the options. And if the sandwiches look too sizeable to handle, go for a smaller Junior Ozzo instead, which can come with za'atar, Pepe Saya Butter, Messina hazlenut paste, forest berries and more. The menu features nods to tradition, too, with eight-inch folded pizzinos (inspired by Naples' famed street food pizza al portafoglio) available during the day, and 13-inch 'neo-Neopolitan' pizzas available after dark. On the drinks front, you'll find Five Senses coffee, as well as cold drinks like strawberry matcha and virgin mojitos all day long. For a sweeter finish — get a slice of cake to round out your meal. Find Eat Ozzo at Level G/80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont — open from 7am–7pm Sunday and Monday, and 7am–11pm Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, visit the venue's website.
Winter is when Aotearoa really turns it on. There's snow on the mountains, clear skies over Lake Tekapo and hot pools to warm you up on freezing days. Whether you're hitting the slopes, exploring the wine regions, or just settling in somewhere cosy, New Zealand is all about slowing down, clearing your head and enjoying every moment. To help you plan the perfect escape, we've rounded up eight of the best winter stays across the North and South Island – and every one of them is ten percent off when you book via our dedicated travel platform, Concrete Playground Trips using your Visa card. From boutique gems to lakeside luxury, these are the hotels worth checking into this season.
Settled into the upstairs space of The Warren View Hotel is another one of the Damianakis family's ventures, a cosy neighbourhood bar called Teddy's. Following a revamp, this elegant addition to the Enmore corner pub has an attractive fit-out with exposed brick walls, timber beams and mid-century design inspiration. The star of the upstairs space is a bar that runs the length of the room wall to wall, and a fireplace fit for braving chilly winter nights in the Inner West. Head in for a drink and you'll be met with a stellar lineup of independently-owned Australian beverages. The Teddy's menu features fresh, fruity takes on classic cocktails, as well as all-Australian beer and wine lists — supporting local is at the forefront of the venue's ethos — alongside an array of non-alcoholic beverages to pick from. For bites, you'll be able to pair your beverage of choice with a selection of elevated share plates. Take your pick from Aussie pub classics like calamari, sausage rolls and focaccia made in-house, as well as charred octopus, heirloom cherry tomato panisse and tuna crudo. And if you opt to swing by in a group of four or more, you'll be able to select the 'Feed Me' set menu for $55 per person to enjoy a no-fuss and no-thinking-required option that serves up the best that Teddy's has to offer. All in all, Teddy's makes for a great addition to the neighbourhood and a new treat for local punters who've been patronising the pub for years.
Little in cinema gets bigger than Godzilla, even if the iconic kaiju's size can change from movie to movie. Soon, little on streaming will be as giant as the famous creature, either, with new American series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on its way. Slotting into the Monsterverse — aka the US franchise that also includes 2014's Godzilla, 2019's Godzilla: King of the Monsters and 2021's Godzilla vs Kong, with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire joining in 2024 — Monarch: Legacy of Monsters arrives in November. If you're a fictional movie or TV character facing a towering critter, any amount of Godzilla is usually too much Godzilla. If you're a creature-feature fan, however, there's no such thing as too much Godzilla. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters not only expands its own saga, but comes just as Japanese film Godzilla Minus One is about to hit as well, although the latter doesn't yet have a Down Under release date. In Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which stampedes onto Apple TV+ from Friday, November 17, the Monsterverse is going the episodic route via a story set across generations and 50 years. It's also expanding its kaiju story with help from Kurt Russell (Fast and Furious 9) — and Wyatt Russell (Under the Banner of Heaven), too. The IRL father-son pair play older and younger versions of the same figure, with army officer Lee Shaw drawn into the series by a couple of siblings attempting to keep up their dad's work after events between Godzilla and the Titans in San Francisco in the aforementioned 2014 film. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters also involves unpacking family links to clandestine outfit Monarch, events back in the 50s and how what Shaw knows threatens the organisation. So, there'll be monsters and rampages, and also secrets, lies, revelations and mysteries. Giving audiences two Russells in one series is dream casting, as both the just-dropped first teaser in September and the newly released full trailer now shows. Also appearing on-screen: Anna Sawai (Pachinko), Kiersey Clemons (The Flash), Ren Watabe (461 Days of Bento), Mari Yamamoto (also Pachinko), Anders Holm (Inventing Anna), Joe Tippett (The Morning Show), Elisa Lasowski (Hill of Vision) and John Goodman (The Righteous Gemstones). Behind the scenes, Chris Black (Severance) and Matt Fraction (Da Vinci's Demons) have co-developed Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, while Matt Shakman (The Consultant, Welcome to Chippendales) helms the opening pair of episodes — and all three are among the series' executive producers. Check out the full trailer for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters below: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters streams via Apple TV+ from Friday, November 17, 2023.
Ramen is a soup for all seasons, an evergreen option for solo lunches, dinner dates or — hell, if you can find a noodle shop that does early hours — a bowl for breakfast. And there's an increasing number of Sydney ramen joints serving up this Japanese wonder-soup, from reliable chainstore staples to the more experimental variations. While we're dedicated ramen enthusiasts, this is by no means an all-encompassing list — it's a wrap-up of quality broths, office favourites and interesting bowls that are some of the best ramen in Sydney. Slurp on, noodle fans. Recommended reads: The Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney The Best Bubble Tea Spots in Sydney The Best Takeaway Joints in Sydney The Best Fried Chicken in Sydney
One of 2022's absolute best movies explored loss, time, childhood and mother-daughter bonds, and did so with playfulness and empathy. Another pondered a fraught reality for women mere decades ago, exploring a situation that sadly isn't confined to the annals of history. Both hailed from France from female filmmakers. Both wowed the international film festival circuit. Both Petite Maman and Happening also share something else in common: they were highlights of 2022's Alliance Française French Film Festival program. It's worth remembering last year's standouts now that 2023's full lineup is here — because this new batch of flicks, some freshly announced and some revealed back in January as a sneak peek, will also contain some of this year's very best titles. In total, Australia's annual celebration of French cinema will screen 39 movies throughout March and April in its whopping 34th year, taking its selection on the road to Aussie capitals and a number of regional locations. AFFFF's 2023 opening-night pick sits among the previously unveiled films, with Masquerade spinning a tale of glitz, glamour and the Côte d'Azur's far-less-glossy underbelly under La Belle Époque's director Nicolas Bedos' guidance — and with Pierre Niney (Yves Saint Laurent) and Isabelle Adjani (The World Is Yours) among his stars. As a bookend, it's now joined by Freestyle, which takes to the road with Benjamin Voisin (Lost Illusions) and Marina Foïs (Stella in Love), and promises to end the fest as memorably as it begins. In-between, must-sees include AFFFF's big picks teased in its first program announcement: Saint Omer, with documentarian Alice Diop drawing from true events to craft a drama about a young Parisian journalist and novelist attending murder trial, then wading through the complexities it surfaces within her own family history; One Fine Morning, the latest film by Bergman Island's Mia Hansen-Løve, this time a family drama starring Léa Seydoux (Crimes of the Future); and The Innocent, as written by, directed by and starring Louis Garrel (A Faithful Man), based on his own experiences, and also featuring Noémie Merlant (Tár). There's also Final Cut, a French remake of Japanese cult hit One Cut of the Dead from The Artist director Michel Hazanavicius, starring Romain Duris (Eiffel); Winter Boy, the new film from Sorry Angel's Christophe Honoré, an autobiographical drama focusing on 17-year-old Lucas (newcomer Paul Kircher); Brother and Sister, with Marion Cotillard (Annette) playing a stage actor and sibling to Melvil Poupaud (Summer of 85); and Other People's Children, a Virginie Efira (Benedetta)-led effort about being a stepmother that's also inspired by director Rebecca Zlotowski's (Planetarium) own life. That's not the end of highlights, either already revealed or just-dropped — with the latter spanning two Quentin Dupieux films. The director of Rubber and Deerskin adds both Incredible but True and Smoking Causes Coughing to the fest's lineup, as well as a sense of humour that only he possesses, anchoring AFFFF's comedy selection. Plus, there's award-winner Playground, which focuses on a seven-year-old girl; On the Wandering Paths, which brings Sylvain Tesson's novel to the screen so swiftly after The Velvet Queen also turned his work into cinema (including at AFFFF 2022); and The Origin of Evil, an account of a dysfunctional family that's one of three AFFFF 2023 movies to star Full Time's Laure Calamy. Or, viewers can look forward to Country Cabaret, which is based on a true story about a bold move to save a family farm; Sugar and Stars, adapting pastry chef Yazid Ichemrahem's autobiography to the screen; the Christmas-set A Good Doctor; and Jack Mimoun and the Secrets of Val Verde, the fest's dose of action, adventure and laughs all in one. This year's focus is firmly on the new over the classic, but when it comes to looking backwards, 1988 French box-office smash The Big Blue does the honours. The full list of 2023 AFFFF titles goes on, as cinephiles have come to not just expect but thoroughly enjoy from a fest that's the largest celebration of French film outside of France. ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 2023 DATES: Tuesday, March 7–Wednesday, April 5: Palace Central, Palace Verona, Palace Norton St, Chauvel Cinema and Hayden Orpheum Cremorne in Sydney Wednesday, March 8–Wednesday, April 5: Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, The Astor Theatre, The Kino and Pentridge Cinema in Melbourne Wednesday, March 8–Wednesday, April 5: Luna Leederville, Luna on SX, Windsor Cinema, Palace Raine Square and Camelot Outdoor Cinema in Perth Thursday, March 9–Sunday, March 19: State Cinema, Hobart Thursday, March 9–Wednesday, April 5: Palace Electric Cinema, Canberra Wednesday, March 15–Wednesday, April 12: Palace James Street and Palace Barracks in Brisbane Thursday, March 16–Wednesday, April 5: Palace Byron Bay Thursday, March 23–Wednesday, April 19: Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas in Adelaide Friday, March 24–Sunday, March 26: Northern Festival, Chaffey Theatre, Middleback Arts Centre and Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Port Pirie, Renmark, Whyalla and Mount Gambier Wednesday, March 29–Sunday, April 2: Riverside Theatre Parramatta Wednesday, March 29–Sunday, April 16: Dendy Southport on the Gold Coast Monday, April 3 and Monday, April 10: Victa Cinema, Victor Harbour Friday, April 21–Sunday, April 23: Star Cinema, Bendigo + encore dates in some cities The Alliance Française French Film Festival tours Australia from Tuesday, March 7–Tuesday, April 25, 2023. For more information, or to buy tickets from 9am on Thursday, February 9, visit the AFFFF website.
At some point in the near future, this might be the question: what can't you book via Airbnb? The platform began as a way for travellers to spend a night in everyday homes instead of hotels, but it has long moved past simply letting folks stay in each other's houses. Its latest evolution: hanging out with celebrities, getting you locking in services such as personal chefs and trainers, and also everything from ramen-making sessions and playing beach volleyball with an Olympian to worshipping pastry with an expert and exploring Notre Dame's restoration. If none of this sounds like a huge surprise, that's because Airbnb has been levelling up simply enjoying a night in someone else's pad for a while now. Think: special listings for the Up house, Prince's Purple Rain abode, the Beetlejuice house, Shrek's swamp, Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill and Hobbiton. It has also offered up the Bluey house, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera and a Christina Aguilera-hosted two-night Las Vegas stay, among others. [caption id="attachment_1004284" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrienne Raquel[/caption] This time, the platform is grouping its expanded range into three categories: services, experiences and originals. The first is meant to add to wherever you're staying, and the second is all about making the most of your getaway destination with experts and locals. As for the third, that's where the likes of Megan Thee Stallion and Sabrina Carpenter come in. With services, Airbnb has launched ten categories in 260 cities, aiming to cover hotel-style amenities such as gym access and spa treatments. Also on the list: personalised photography sessions, massages, haircuts and blow dries, makeup, manicures and pedicures, full catering and yoga. The platform is engaging providers with an average of ten years of experience, such as chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants and other award-winners. [caption id="attachment_1004285" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saeka Shimada[/caption] Among the experiences, options are on offer in 650 cities, with each designed to give you an authentic taste of wherever you're heading — sometimes literally. Michelin-recognised Japanese chef Saburo Ishigōka is taking care of the ramen, for instance, while architect Axelle Ponsonnet will give you the scoop on Notre Dame and stylist Jamie Mizrahi will help refresh your wardrobe. You can also travel through Andean landscapes and sacred Inca sites on horseback with an expert in Andean culture, and do some Lucha libre training with a professional luchador. Fancy playing tourist in your own town with these experiences? You'll be able to. Keen to gather the gang? Later in 2025, you'll also be able to see who else is heading along on an experience before you book. [caption id="attachment_1004286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daehan Chae[/caption] As for the new Airbnb Originals, selections named so far include hanging out on the Short n' Sweet tour set with Sabrina Carpenter, creating an anime alter-ego with Megan Thee Stallion, hitting Rio's Leblon Beach to play volleyball with Carol Solberg, throwing a spiral and tucking into barbecue with Patrick Mahomes, celebrating all things SEVENTEEN in Seoul and getting cooking with The French Bastards' Raphaelle Elbaz. "Seventeen years ago, we changed the way people travel. More than two-billion guests later, Airbnb is synonymous with a place to stay," said Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky, announcing its newest additions. "With the launch of services and experiences, we're changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb." [caption id="attachment_1004287" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paz Olivares-Droguett[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1004288" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dani Pujalte[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1004289" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sela Shiloni[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1004292" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peden + Munk[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1004290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Damien Maloney[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1004291" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jackie Beale[/caption] For more information about Airbnb's latest additions, and to make bookings, head to the Airbnb website. Top image: Adrienne Raquel. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Update Wednesday, July 12: Bookings are now open for the W Hotel's huge Darling Harbour development. You can lock in a stay for dates from Wednesday, November 1. Five years in the making, W Hotel's luxury Darling Harbour development will finally bring the global hotel chain back to Sydney in October this year. Originally scheduled to open in 2020, the unmistakable harbourfront hotel has faced several delays and setbacks, but has now revealed key details in the lead-up to its official opening in seven months' time. Located within The Ribbon, the sleek multimillion-dollar development is designed by HASSEL architects and sits on the former IMAX theatre site — which is scheduled to also reopen this year. W Sydney is promising not just a hotel, but a luxury hideaway with this inner-city accommodation. As with every W Hotel, you can expect impeccably-designed futuristic spaces, eateries overseen by expert chefs, cocktails created by top-notch bartenders and collaborations with local artists, musicians and designers. Partnering with HASSEL is Bowler James Brindley who is handling the interior design of the luxury building. "The freedom to create an entirely new cultural space for Sydney was incredibly exciting, and we were inspired by the idea of 'the larrikin' the non-conformist spirit of the city that makes it irresistible," a Bowler James Brindley spokesperson said. "We love to design spaces that embrace the individuality and even eccentricity of their locations, and to create interiors that engage their buildings and neighbourhoods in conversations, rather than treating spaces as blank canvases." One of W Sydney's drawcards — apart from its 585 next-level rooms and suites — is the exuberant shared spaces throughout the hotel including a heated rooftop infinity pool overlooking the water, a two-storey rooftop bar, an all-day dining restaurant, a luxury spa and a gym. The meticulously designed restaurant on level three can be seen from the adjacent highway, acting as a living, breathing billboard for the hotel. Inside, the diner boasts urban design hallmarks that celebrate its place in the heart of the city, as well as concrete columns and unique ceiling lighting that combine to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Other notable touches include jellyfish mosaic artwork that you can discover at the bottom of the impressive 30-metre pool, silicone petals resembling those of the waratah decorating the entrance sign, a future noir-themed lobby inspired by Fritz Lang's Metropolis and graphic designs from renowned multidisciplinary artist Bradley Eastman (aka Beastman) throughout the hotel's spa. W Sydney will open its doors in October 2023 at 31 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour. You can find out more about it on the Darling Harbour website.
Mudgee's Blue Wren winery is creating minimal intervention drops in an elegant farmhouse setting. Don't expect to find a wine counter here, though — instead, guests gather at tasting tables and enjoy their wine seated. The flights are $10 for five wines, with the vineyard growing shiraz, verdelho and merlot grapes. During the cooler months, tables near the open fire are prime real estate, while in summer you can take your wine out to the garden and farm. It grows herbs, fruits and edible flowers for the in-house restaurant, The Chef's Kitchen, and is home to a cherry farm and bee hives — as well as duck, geese, chooks and heaps of blue wren birds (naturally). While The Chef's Kitchen is currently closed for renovations, you can still nab lunch Friday through Sunday from noon—3pm. And you can even stay overnight in a newly renovated farmhouse, complete with an elevated deck and pool.
Nope, not a how-to for casual meth enthusiasts, the Breaking Bad cookbook is finally on shelves. Filled with 'sugar high' TV show-inspired recipes by a certain Walter Wheat (heh) and prompting "let's cook" hurrahs worldwide, now you can be the one who bakes. Several sites have leaked certain recipes from the book, Baking Bad (out November 6), featuring Walter White specialities like 'Blue Meth Crunch' (sans phenyl-2-propanone) to adorable little underpanted gingerbread men dubbed 'Mr White’s Tighty Whitey Bites' — reminiscent of Season One's epic opening scene — and a disturbingly cute nod to Jesse's gruesome, body-and-roof-dissolving bathtub: 'Jesse’s Jell-O Acid Tub'. Here's a taste of what Walter Wheat has cooked up in the RV: Meth Crunchies Jesse’s Jell-O Acid Tub Mr White’s Tighty Whitey Bites Recurring Pink Bear Bites Walt’s Buried Barrel Dessert Fring Pops Tortuga Tart And of course: Blue Meth Crunch "Let's cook." INGREDIENTS 118ml water 177ml light corn syrup 14oz/350g granulated sugar 2 tsp (10ml) peppermint extract Blue gel food colouring You will need a sugar thermometer. Do not use chili powder. It’s for amateurs DOSAGE 5 people DIRECTIONS 1. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil, or use a heatproof glass tray. Spray with non-stick baking spray. 2. Find yourself a decent accomplice. Underachieving ex-students are a good choice, though psychologically fragile. 3. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, corn syrup and sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then turn up the heat to bring to a boil. Stop stirring and insert the thermometer and use a pastry brush dipped in water to wet the sides of the pan (this will prevent crystals forming). 4. Cook the mixture until the temperature reaches 285F/140C. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and take out the thermometer. Let the mixture stand until all the bubbles have stopped forming on the surface. 5. At some point you’re going to need a distributor. But don’t worry about that now. 6. Add a few drops of peppermint flavouring and enough blue colour to give the correct ‘Blue Meth’ hue. 7. Quickly pour the mixture onto the baking tray, lifting the tray from side to side to spread the mix. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth or has holes in it. Let the candy cool to room temperature. 8 Once the candy has cooled, use a hammer to break it up. Put into little plastic baggies or serve as is, whichever your clients prefer. Baking Bad by Walter Wheat is being published by Orion on 6 November 2014 in hardback (also available as an eBook). Via Telegraph UK and Buzzfeed. Images: 'Baking Bad' by Walter Wheat, Orion Books.
As its name suggests, this brand new satire presented by the Rock Surfers in conjunction with The Hayloft Project confronts one of Australia's most pressing issues head-on: The Boat People. You're asked to leave your preconceived notions onshore and plunge into the high seas for one night. With the assistance of three Sydney-based comic minds (Susie Youssef, William Erimya and Luke Joseph Ryan), writer-director Benedict Hardie explores Australia's relationship with its borders and the unpredictable lives of those seeking entry without "telling you what to think". The score and sound design comes courtesy of Benny Davis, the four-chords maestro from Axis of Awesome. "This is the funniest cast I could hope for," Hardie says, "and I still can't believe we've taken this particular subject matter and turned it into something so amusing and so unexpected. From the moment the play starts I think it pulls the rug out from under your feet, and it keeps doing it until the very end ... I can't wait to see how audiences respond." Leading independent theatre producers The Hayloft Project have recently made the move up from Melbourne to Sydney, and this is their first project developed in Sydney. They've had a brief but illustrious history, which under previous artistic directors Simon Stone and then Anne Louise Sarks saw them produce Thyestes and By Their Own Hands. This distinctly comedic turn from the company is one to catch. The Boat People is on at the Bondi Pavilion from May 29 to June 1. Tickets are $35/$25 (concession) from here, but thanks to the Rock Surfers, we have three double passes to the first preview on May 29 to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
It's a risky and even cheeky move, packaging a film with a song that could be used to describe it. Thankfully, in the case of 2014's The Lego Movie and its instant earworm track, everything was indeed awesome. The animated flick's long-awaited sequel offers another self-assessment in closing credits tune 'Super Cool', however the description doesn't fit this time around. Nor do the words unbelievable, outrageous, amazing, phenomenal, fantastic and incredible, further praise sung by Beck, the Lonely Island and Robyn in the catchy and amusing song. Instead, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is fine, standard, okay and average. Of course, those words don't have the same ring to them, even if they were set to a thumping beat. The Lego Movie left its successors with big shoes to fill — or big bricks to emulate, to be more accurate — and this direct follow-up does so in an entertaining enough but never especially inventive or enthralling fashion. Call it a case of trying to build the same thing with different pieces. Call it constructing a masterpiece and then falling short with the next attempt. Call it a case of sticking too closely to the instructions again and again. Whichever one you choose, they all fit like rectangular plastic pieces stacked neatly on top of each other. You could also call it a case of following Emmet Brickowski's (Chris Pratt) lead, with the mini-figure's fondness for routine already well established in the first movie. He's so comfortable doing the same thing day in, day out that he's even happy to keep doing so in the new dystopian version of his hometown, Bricksburg. He knows that much has changed since alien invaders made from bigger blocks descended from the heavens. His brooding best friend Lucy (Elizabeth Banks) also reminds him all the time. But it isn't until General Sweet Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz) arrives, bearing an invite from the Systar system's Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi (Tiffany Haddish) and sweeping Lucy, Batman (Will Arnett), Benny (Charlie Day), MetalBeard (Nick Offerman) and Unikitty (Alison Brie) away, that Emmet abandons his blissful monotony and springs into action. Viewers of the initial flick, The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie will remember two important aspects of the Lego Movie Universe. Firstly, mile-a-minute jokes and pop culture references are as much a part of the franchise as multicoloured bricks. Secondly, more often than not, the series' animated tales tie into a real-world scenario. While original directors Chris Lord and Phil Miller have handed over the reigns to Trolls filmmaker Mike Mitchell, their humour still bounces through in the movie's fast-paced script. And while The Lego Movie's big twist — that the whole story stemmed from kids simply playing with the titular toys — is old news now, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part builds upon this idea. Once again, the film spends time with now-teenager Finn (Jadon Sand), who's still far from pleased that his younger sister Bianca (Brooklynn Prince) likes Lego as well. Cue The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part's troubles. Lightning rarely strikes twice, after all. The film serves up enough funny gags to keep audiences chuckling, throws in more than a few ace cameos and has the same infectious, anarchic vibe, but it was never going to feel as fresh. It also benefits from a fantastic overall message, but doesn't give it enough emphasis until late in the show. After pondering the divide between rules and creativity in the first picture, the franchise now contemplates collaboration, sharing and the gendering applied to playthings, roles and fandom. That's both smart and relevant, yet here feels underdone. Basically, anything new comes second to everything that's been done before, resulting in the most superfluous kind of sequel. This follow-up is happier rehashing its predecessor's glory days than channelling the ingenuity that made the original so charming. Of course, if The Lego Movie hadn't been such a vibrant, witty delight, then The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part wouldn't feel so familiar. An adequate addition to the series, it still contains plenty to distinguish it from other all-ages animated fare — including an eye-catching and distinctive animation style, enjoyable skewering of Pratt's many non-Lego characters, and Noel Fielding as a sparkly Twilight-esque vampire. But, five years on, viewers are now in the same situation as Lucy: ready to embrace a challenge, rather than falling back on comfortable old habits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvHSlHhh1gk
When Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi invited the world to experience the vampire sharehouse mockumentary genre, one of the best comedies of the decade wasn't the only result. Every film seems to spawn sequels, remakes, spinoffs and the like these days, but no one's complaining about spending more time in the What We Do in the Shadows universe. A follow-up, We're Wolves, is in the works, focusing on the undead bloodsuckers' Rhys Darby-led lycanthrope enemies. So is six-episode television spinoff Wellington Paranormal, following the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they keep investigating the supernatural, and expected to air in New Zealand mid this year. Add a US TV remake of the original flick to the pile as well, but withhold any "do we really need a remake?" judgement. First revealed by Waititi last year and now moving ahead, the pilot has been written by Clement, and is expected to shoot this year. He won't appear on camera, however; speaking to Indiewire as part of the Television Critics Association press tour for Legion, which he stars in, Clement said the series will be about a documentary crew in America. With What We Do in the Shadows actually starting its life as a short back in 2005, the concept of flatting members of the undead arguing about bloody dishes has taken quite the journey since those early beginnings. If any idea was going to come back in multiple guises, it's this one. Of course, so have Clement and Waititi. Clement also revealed that he'll be filming a Flight of the Conchords TV special for HBO later this year to coincide with their new US tour, while Waititi just directed a little superhero-filled box office blockbuster called Thor: Ragnarok. Via Indiewire. Image: Kane Skennar.
